3.3y–5y10 minDevelopmental playFamily timeChore time
Light or Dark? Growing Predictions
A short ‘plant detective’ conversation where your child practises predictions and conditional language about growth (light vs dark) using a real plant/leafy item and simple home ‘test spots.’
What you'll need
Essentials
- a small houseplant or a leafy vegetable/herb (e.g., a lettuce leaf or basil sprig)
- two ‘homes’ to compare: a bright spot near a window and a darker spot (e.g., a cupboard or a box with a lid)
Nice to have
- a torch/flashlight (to show ‘light’ clearly)
- paper and a crayon (to draw a sun and a dark box with predictions)
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
- MilestoneExplains causesMind· 3.8y–4.6y· core
- MilestoneComplex connected sentencesMind· 4y–5y· core
- MilestoneSays what will happen nextMind· 2.5y–4y· core· Steps 2, 3
- MilestoneSustains back-and-forth conversationMind· 3.3y–5y· core
- MilestoneTalks about own interests and ideasMind· 4y–5y· core· Steps 1, 3
- MilestoneListens to others one to one or in small groups, when conversation interests them.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Step 1
What it practices
- Children follow instructions involving several ideas or actions. They answer ‘how’ and ‘why’ questions about their experiences and in response to stories or events.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Listens and responds to ideas expressed by others in conversation or discussion.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Responds to instructions involving a two-part sequence.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Help children to predict: ‘It might not grow in there if it is too dark’”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)