16mo–2.2y12 minChore timeFamily timeFree play
Little Helper Stations: Sweep, Pour, Dig, Feed
A choice-based ‘helper’ routine using safe household tools so your child can try sweeping, pouring, digging, and feeding (real or pretend), with adult narration focused on controlled hand movements.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a small brush/broom OR dustpan brush (child-safe)
- a small cup + another cup/jug for supervised pouring (tiny amount of water)
- a bowl or tub (to pour into)
- a spoon or scoop
- a container with a ‘dig’ material (e.g., dry rice/pasta in a tub) OR a small patch of garden soil
Nice to have
- pet bowl + pet food (only if you have a pet and it’s safe); otherwise use pretend ‘food’ (pasta pieces)
- towel for spills
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
- MilestoneUnderstands no or prohibitive wordsMind· 9mo–18mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneHelps with simple household tasksHeart· 18mo–3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneStops when instructedHeart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneEnjoys filling and emptying containers.Mind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneUses mark-making toolsBody· 22mo–2.8y· stretch
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide materials that enable children to help with chores such as sweeping, pouring, digging or feeding pets.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)