16mo–2.2y10 minFree playFamily timeChore time
Heuristic Mix-and-Match Baskets
A short heuristic play session where your child explores combining safe household objects (in/out, on/off, open/shut, lid on, stack) while you follow their lead and gently support tidy-up routines.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2–3 small baskets/boxes (or separate piles on a towel)
- 2 shallow trays or towels (to define the play space)
- 3–4 sets of SAFE household objects that are too big to swallow (e.g., plastic tubs + lids, cups, wooden spoons, chunky blocks, fabric squares)
Nice to have
- cardboard tubes (e.g., paper towel roll)
- a couple of empty plastic bottles with caps securely closed (adult checked)
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
- MilestoneExperiments with object actionsMind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneMatches parts of objects that fit together, e.g. puts lid on teapot.Mind· 16mo–2.2y· core
- MilestoneActs from knowledge of propertiesMind· 16mo–2.3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneExplores objects by linking together different approaches: shaking, hitting, looking, feeling, tasting, mouthing, pulling, turning and poking.Body· 8mo–20mo· core
- MilestoneEnjoys filling and emptying containers.Mind· 8mo–20mo· stretch
- MilestoneCan select and use activities and resources with help.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneHelps with simple household tasksHeart· 18mo–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneGroups category membersMind· 2y–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneAttempts, sometimes successfully, to fit shapes into spaces on inset boards or jigsaw puzzles.Mind· 10mo–3.2y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneFollows visually supported instructionsMind· 8mo–18mo· core· Step 4
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide a collection of sets of items for children to explore how objects can be combined together in heuristic play sessions.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)