22mo–3y10 minChore timeMealtimeFamily time
Kitchen Talk: Find-It, Do-It
A short kitchen routine where you use simple ‘what we’ll do next’ talk (and a quick big/little sorting game) to help your child listen, anticipate actions, and join in safely.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2 containers (one bigger, one smaller)
- 2 safe kitchen items in two sizes (e.g., big/little spoon or bowl)
- one simple ingredient or snack you already use (e.g., fruit, crackers, eggs)
Nice to have
- a tea towel for quick wipe-ups
- a stool for the adult (child stays safely supervised)
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
- MilestoneFollows linked routine actionsMind· 18mo–2.3y· core
- MilestoneDiscriminates bigger and smallerMind· 2.2y–3y· core
- MilestoneMatches words in routinesMind· 15mo–2y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneHelps with simple household tasksHeart· 18mo–3y· stretch· Steps 3, 4
- MilestoneListens to others one to one or in small groups, when conversation interests them.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneSorts Objects by AttributeMind· 2.3y–3.2y· stretch
- MilestoneCopies household activities liveMind· 16mo–2y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneStays focused during activityMind· 2.5y–3y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestonePoints and gazes to share attentionHeart· 8mo–2y· stretch· Step 1
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide activities, such as cooking, where talk is used to anticipate or initiate what children will be doing, e.g. “We need some eggs. Let’s see if we can find some in here.””
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)