2.5y–4.2y12 minFree playSelf-careChore time
Hands Busy, Ears On
A simple ‘listen while doing’ challenge where your child keeps their hands on an easy task while tuning in to short instructions and key words from you.
What you'll need
Essentials
- simple building or sorting items (blocks, socks, plastic tubs, or safe kitchen utensils)
- 2–3 different colours or types of item if you have them
Nice to have
- paper and crayons for an ‘add one thing’ drawing version
- a small basket or bowl for ‘put it in’ directions
- a phone timer (1 minute rounds)
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
- MilestoneTwo-channelled attention – can listen and do for short span.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Steps 1, 2, 3
- MilestoneAdjusts to stated expectationsHeart· 2.5y–3.7y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneFollows instructions with several steps or actionsMind· 3.3y–4y· core
- MilestoneAnswers simple open questionsMind· 2.3y–3.3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneIdentifies coloursMind· 2.5y–4y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneReceptive spatial-word understandingMind· 2.7y–3.2y· stretch· Step 2
What it practices
- Two-channelled attention – can listen and do for short span.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Maintains attention, concentrates and sits quietly during appropriate activity.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Listens to stories with increasing attention and recall.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE) — construct-derived activity authored from enriched DM2012 construct