22mo–3y10 minChore timeFamily timeMealtime

Heavy-Light Helper Words

A short, routine-based comparison game where you consistently use the same weight vocabulary (heavy, light, heavier, lighter, weight) as your child lifts and sorts safe household objects, building stable word-meaning links through repetition.

What you'll need

Essentials

6–10 safe household objects with clear weight differences (e.g., a book, a pillow, an empty bottle, a water-filled bottle, a spoon, a small soft toy)
two baskets/areas on the floor: one for 'heavy' and one for 'light'

Nice to have

a reusable shopping bag (to carry 2–3 items and feel 'heavier/lighter')
a towel/cloth as a 'weighing mat' to keep objects together
a snack-time or tidy-up moment to connect weight words to routine (e.g., carrying the 'heavy' bag to the table)

Movement level: low

What you'll do

The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.

Start free Sign in

What this develops

What it practices

Anticipates specific time-based events such as mealtimes or home time.
Observable behaviour from Development Matters

Where it comes from

Framework: Early Years Foundation Stage (England)
Source: Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
Original guidance: “Be consistent in your use of vocabulary for weight and mass.”
License: Open Government Licence v3.0