22mo–3y11 minBath timeFree playFamily time
Fill & Pour Switch-Up
Coach you to keep water/sand-style play interesting by swapping in different container sizes and tools, while your child explores full/empty, more/less, and ‘fits/doesn’t fit’ through scooping and pouring.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a shallow tub/tray or sink/bath area
- water (or dry rice/oats as a 'dry pour' alternative)
- 6–10 containers with different capacities (cups, bowls, bottles, yogurt pots)
- 2–3 scooping/pouring tools (spoons, ladle, small jug)
- a towel or cloth for spills
Nice to have
- a homemade funnel (rolled paper) or a plastic bottle with the bottom cut off (adult-only cutting)
- a timer/phone (for quick 'switch-up' moments)
- food colouring or bubbles (optional sensory interest)
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
- MilestoneEnjoys filling and emptying containers.Mind· 8mo–20mo· core
- MilestoneExperiments with object actionsMind· 8mo–20mo· stretch
- MilestoneReceptive opposite understandingMind· 4y–5y· stretch
- MilestoneUnderstands simple spoken instructionsMind· 14mo–18mo· stretch
- MilestoneShows object-function knowledgeMind· 2.7y–5y· core· Step 1
- MilestonePours or serves food or drink with supervisionBody· 3y–5y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneUnderstands simple questionsMind· 14mo–2.2y· core· Step 1
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Vary the volume and capacity equipment in the sand, water and other play areas to maintain interest.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)