8mo–20mo8 minDevelopmental playFree playFamily time
Gloop Poke & Lift Sensory Play
A short messy-play session where your child explores cornflour-and-water gloop by poking fingers in and lifting them out, building curiosity, hand control, and steady sitting balance.
What you'll need
Essentials
- cornflour (cornstarch) and water (pre-mixed into a thick gloop)
- a small shallow tray or bowl (with sides)
- a towel or wipeable mat under the tray
- a spare cloth for hands
Nice to have
- a second empty bowl for ‘transfer’ play (older toddlers with close supervision)
- a large spoon for you to demonstrate (not required for your child)
- an apron/bib for clothing protection
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneExperiments with object actionsMind· 8mo–20mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneRepeats actions that have an effect, e.g. kicking or hitting a mobile or shaking a rattle.Mind· 0mo–11mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneExplores objects by linking together different approaches: shaking, hitting, looking, feeling, tasting, mouthing, pulling, turning and poking.Body· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneScribbles or makes marksBody· 12mo–22mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneWhen sitting, can lean forward to pick up small toys.Body· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneSits without supportBody· 6mo–9mo· stretch
- MilestoneReaches for nearby objectsBody· 4mo–11mo· stretch· Step 1
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Use gloop (cornflour and water) in small trays so that babies can enjoy putting fingers into it and lifting them out.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)