3.3y–5y10 minFree playArtFamily time
Fast Idea Capture Box
A quick routine for capturing fresh imaginative ideas immediately by keeping simple materials accessible, helping the child begin a project while motivation is high and develop it into a simple representation and story.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a small box or tray (the 'idea box')
- paper or scrap cardboard
- crayons or pencils
- tape
Nice to have
- string or rubber bands
- recyclables (e.g., bottle caps, small boxes)
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
What it practices
- Create simple representations of events, people and objects.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Initiates new combinations of movement and gesture in order to express and respond to feelings, ideas and experiences.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Chooses particular colours to use for a purpose.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Introduces a storyline or narrative into their play.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Plays alongside other children who are engaged in the same theme.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Plays cooperatively as part of a group to develop and act out a narrative.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Make materials accessible so that children are able to imagine and develop their projects and ideas while they are still fresh in their minds and important to them.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)