2.5y–4.2y10 minWith other childrenSocial playFamily time
Make-It-Better Ideas: Sad or Cross
Support the adult to invite your child to generate ideas for helping someone who is sad or cross, building empathy, flexible thinking, and appropriate comfort strategies (including giving space).
What you'll need
Essentials
- two toys or dolls (for simple role-play)
- paper and a crayon/pen
Nice to have
- a small comfort item (soft toy/blanket) (optional)
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
- MilestoneResponds helpfully to needsHeart· 2.4y–3y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneComforts a distressed personHeart· 3y–4.5y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneOffers comfortHeart· 3y–4.5y· core
- MilestoneUses talk to organise, sequence and clarify thinking, ideas, feelings and events.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneAnswers simple open questionsMind· 2.3y–3.3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneTalks about own interests and ideasMind· 4y–5y· core· Step 1
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Ask children for their ideas on what might make people feel better when they are sad or cross.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)