16mo–2.2y8 minChore timeFamily timeDevelopmental play
Fold-Unfold Pattern Peek
A quick, hands-on routine where you folds and unfolds a napkin or tablecloth with your child, drawing attention to the repeating shape pattern (square/oblong/square) and using simple ‘same again’ and ‘before/after’ language.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a tablecloth, tea towel, or napkin (cloth or paper)
- a clear floor or table space to spread it out
Nice to have
- a second cloth (to make a simple ‘same again’ pattern)
- 2–3 safe, everyday objects to place on shapes (e.g., spoon, cup, soft toy)
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
- MilestoneUnderstands simple questionsMind· 14mo–2.2y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneNotices detailed features of objects in their environment.Mind· 22mo–3y· core
- MilestoneUnderstands simple spoken instructionsMind· 14mo–18mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneDiscriminates bigger and smallerMind· 2.2y–3y· stretch· Step 3
What it practices
- Notices simple shapes and patterns in pictures.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Beginning to categorise objects according to properties such as shape or size.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Begins to use the language of size.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Understands some talk about immediate past and future, e.g. ‘before’, ‘later’ or ‘soon’.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Draw children’s attention to the patterns e.g. square/oblong/square which emerges as you fold or unfold a tablecloth or napkin.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)