3.3y–5y11 minMusicArtStory time
Inspiration Mix: Look, Listen, Make
A quick inspiration routine using a picture and a short piece of music/poem to spark imaginative ideas, then turning that stimulus into a simple representation and mini narrative.
What you'll need
Essentials
- one picture (book illustration, postcard, magazine photo, or family photo)
- paper
- crayons or pencils
Nice to have
- music from a phone (30–60 seconds)
- a few household objects for modelling/arranging (e.g., cups, lids)
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
- MilestoneCreate simple representations of events, people and objects.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneIndependent connected storytellingMind· 4y–5y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneUses talk to organise, sequence and clarify thinking, ideas, feelings and events.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneLinks statements and sticks to a main theme or intention.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneTalks about own interests and ideasMind· 4y–5y· core· Steps 1, 2
- MilestoneChooses particular colours to use for a purpose.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneSelects appropriate resources and adapts work where necessary.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneCreates pretend small world stories with toysMind· 3y–4y· stretch
What it practices
- Create simple representations of events, people and objects.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Initiates new combinations of movement and gesture in order to express and respond to feelings, ideas and experiences.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Chooses particular colours to use for a purpose.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Introduces a storyline or narrative into their play.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Plays alongside other children who are engaged in the same theme.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Plays cooperatively as part of a group to develop and act out a narrative.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Extend children’s experience and expand their imagination through the provision of pictures, paintings, poems, music, dance and story.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)