16mo–2.2y8 minFamily timeChore timeSocial play
Little Contributor Spotlight
A quick routine where your child gets a meaningful 'helper' role and is celebrated as an important contributor, supporting belonging and positive group identity at home or in a small group.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2-3 safe 'helper' items (e.g., napkins, plastic cups, socks to sort, small toy basket)
- a simple 'thank you' gesture (clap, high-five, or sticker)
Nice to have
- paper and crayon to draw a quick 'helper badge'
- a favourite toy to be the 'audience' for cheering
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
- MilestoneHelps with simple household tasksHeart· 18mo–3y· core
- MilestoneWelcomes and values praise for what they have done.Heart· 22mo–3y· stretch
- MilestoneDemonstrates sense of self as an individual, e.g. wants to do things independently, says “No” to adult.Heart· 16mo–2.2y· core
- MilestonePretends with imagined roles or thingsMind· 2y–3y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneTakes turns in simple games with adult supportHeart· 20mo–3.3y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneExpresses feelings through words or actionsHeart· 22mo–3y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneNames familiar referentsMind· 15mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 3
What it practices
- Is curious about people and shows interest in stories about themselves and their family.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Has a sense of own immediate family and relations.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Beginning to have their own friends.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- In pretend play, imitates everyday actions and events from own family and cultural background, e.g. making and drinking tea.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Ensure that each child is recognised as a valuable contributor to the group.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)