2.5y–4.2y9 minArtQuiet timeFamily time
Look, Wait, Wonder: Art Detectives
A slow-looking routine where the adult helps your child pause with unfamiliar painting or sculpture, notice details first, and only then share ideas or opinions—supporting thoughtful observation and curiosity.
What you'll need
Essentials
- one unfamiliar picture (magazine/calendar art, postcard, or book illustration) OR a simple ‘table sculpture’ you arrange from household objects
- a clear surface to view it together
- paper and crayons/pencils (for a quick response drawing)
Nice to have
- timer (phone) for a 10-second ‘look first’ pause
- a small cloth to cover/reveal the picture (optional)
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneDescribes object propertiesMind· 2.5y–3y· core
- MilestoneAdjusts to stated expectationsHeart· 2.5y–3.7y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneStays focused during activityMind· 2.5y–3y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneAnswers simple open questionsMind· 2.3y–3.3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneCreate simple representations of events, people and objects.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneNames coloursMind· 2.8y–3y· stretch
- MilestoneUses mark-making toolsBody· 22mo–2.8y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneStops when instructedHeart· 22mo–3y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneBuilds block structures (vertical, walls, enclosures)Body· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
- Explores colour and how colours can be changed.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Beginning to be interested in and describe the texture of things.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Understands that they can use lines to enclose a space, and then begin to use these shapes to represent objects.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Encourage children to take time to think about painting or sculpture that is unfamiliar to them before they talk about it or express an opinion.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)