3.3y–5y10 minDevelopmental playFree playFamily time
Icon Magic: Click and Change
A guided, child-led tech activity where your child clicks or taps different icons to create effects (sounds, colours, changes) and talks about what changed and why.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a tablet or computer with a simple child-safe app (drawing, music, story, or soundboard)
- a timer or clock
Nice to have
- headphones if sound is distracting
- a stylus (optional)
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
- MilestoneShows skill in making toys work by pressing parts or lifting flaps to achieve effects such as sound, movements or new images.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· core
- MilestoneShows object-function knowledgeMind· 2.7y–5y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneSelects appropriate resources and adapts work where necessary.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneFollows instructions with several steps or actionsMind· 3.3y–4y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneFollows ordered multi-step directionsMind· 4y–5.6y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneExplores and learns how sounds can be changed.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch
- MilestoneExplores what happens when they mix colours.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch
What it practices
- Early Learning Goal Children recognise that a range of technology is used in places such as homes and schools. They select and use technology for particular purposes.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Looks closely at similarities, differences, patterns and change.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Teach and encourage children to click on different icons to cause things to happen in a computer program.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)