3.3y–5y12 minFree playArtFamily time
Fine Motor Choice Stations
Set up three quick fine-motor play stations (build, thread/post, collage/dress-up) using household items, then observe grip, coordination and control during child-led play.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 3 shallow trays or shoebox lids
- an empty tissue box or cereal box (for a posting slot)
- string, shoelace, or ribbon
- paper and tape
- a few small building items (e.g., blocks, plastic cups, small boxes)
- a few small fabric pieces or socks (for dressing props)
Nice to have
- toy animals/people/vehicles (small-world props)
- old magazines or junk mail (for tearing collage pieces)
- glue stick
- stickers
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
- MilestoneHandles varied tools with controlBody· 3.3y–5y· core· Steps 2, 3
- MilestoneManipulates materials to achieve a planned effect.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneUses simple tools and techniques competently and appropriately.Body· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneFocuses on self-chosen activityMind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneBuilds block structures (vertical, walls, enclosures)Body· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneBuilds with non-block construction piecesBody· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneEarly Learning Goal Children are confident to try new activities, and say why they like some activities more than others. They are confident to speak in a familiar group, will talk about their ideas, and will choose the resources they need for their chosen activities. They say when they do or don’t need help.Heart· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneShows understanding of how to transport and store equipment safely.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneUses finger-thumb pencil graspBody· 2.8y–4y· core
- MilestoneUses child scissorsBody· 2.9y–5y· core
What it practices
- Uses simple tools to effect changes to materials.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Handles tools, objects, construction and malleable materials safely and with increasing control.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- They handle equipment and tools effectively, including pencils for writing.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide play resources including small-world toys, construction sets, threading and posting toys, dolls’ clothes and material for collage.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)