3.3y–5y12 minDevelopmental playArtMusic
Mini Maker Stations: Stir, Paint, Pinch, Play
A quick set of mini-stations using everyday materials (simple cooking actions, painting/water marks, dough/clay squeezing, and tapping instruments) to motivate your child to practise fine-motor manipulative skills with control and safety.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a small bowl
- a spoon
- a wipe/cloth or towel
- paper (or cardboard from a box)
- crayons/markers OR a paintbrush with water (water-only painting on cardboard works)
- soft dough (e.g., playdough or soft bread dough)
- two wooden spoons OR two safe containers for tapping
Nice to have
- an apron or old T-shirt
- a rolling pin substitute (a clean bottle) for dough
- a sealed shaker (e.g., rice in a securely closed plastic bottle, adult-prepared)
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
- MilestoneHandles varied tools with controlBody· 3.3y–5y· core· Steps 1, 2, 3, 4
- MilestoneControls tools effectivelyBody· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneChanges materials with simple toolsBody· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneUses tools and equipment safelyHeart· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneShapes playdough with controlBody· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneCopies a circleBody· 2.2y–4.2y· stretch
- MilestoneUses finger-thumb pencil graspBody· 2.8y–4y· stretch
- MilestoneShows object-function knowledgeMind· 2.7y–5y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneAdjusts to stated expectationsHeart· 2.5y–3.7y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestonePours or serves food or drink with supervisionBody· 3y–5y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneUses child scissorsBody· 2.9y–5y· stretch
What it practices
- Uses simple tools to effect changes to materials.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Handles tools, objects, construction and malleable materials safely and with increasing control.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- They handle equipment and tools effectively, including pencils for writing.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide activities that give children the opportunity and motivation to practise manipulative skills, e.g. cooking, painting, clay and playing instruments.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)