3.3y–5y12 minDevelopmental playFree playFamily time
Let’s Make a Plan (Roles & Materials)
A quick planning conversation before a small shared activity, helping your child talk about how to begin, what parts each person will play, and what materials are needed—then check and adjust the plan together.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a small ‘make/do’ task you can start in 10 minutes (e.g., build a blanket den, make a cardboard vehicle, set up a pretend shop)
- everyday materials for the chosen task (e.g., a box, tape, paper, pens/crayons, cushions/blanket)
Nice to have
- a simple checklist on paper (3 boxes: first/next/last)
- a timer/phone (optional) to keep planning brief
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 5-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneUses talk to organise, sequence and clarify thinking, ideas, feelings and events.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core· Steps 2, 3, 4
- MilestoneSelects appropriate resources and adapts work where necessary.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Steps 2, 5
- 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· stretch· Steps 1, 5
- MilestoneSays what will happen nextMind· 2.5y–4y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneLonger sentencesMind· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneNames objects in contextMind· 2.5y–3.8y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneUses three- to five-word sentencesMind· 2y–4y· core· Step 1
What it practices
- Uses talk to organise, sequence and clarify thinking, ideas, feelings and events.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Links statements and sticks to a main theme or intention.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses language to imagine and recreate roles and experiences in play situations.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Introduces a storyline or narrative into their play.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Help children to talk about and plan how they will begin, what parts each will play and what materials they will need.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)