2.5y–4.2y12 minSocial playWith other childrenFree play
Mix-It-Up Play Invitations
A simple invitation-and-rotation game to help your child practise choosing different play partners so more children feel included.
What you'll need
Essentials
- small pieces of paper or sticky notes
- a pen/pencil
- a simple shared-play item (blocks, cars, play dough, or a ball)
Nice to have
- a small bowl/hat to draw names from
- a timer or phone
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
- MilestoneDemonstrates friendly behaviour, initiating conversations and forming good relationships with peers and familiar adults.Heart· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Steps 2, 4
- MilestoneSeeks play with other childrenHeart· 3y–4y· core
- MilestoneCooperative peer playHeart· 2.7y–3.8y· stretch
- MilestoneAdjusts to stated expectationsHeart· 2.5y–3.7y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneJoins other children in playHeart· 2.3y–3.2y· core
- MilestoneSeeks out others to share experiences.Heart· 14mo–2.2y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneNames a specific friendHeart· 3y–4y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· stretch· Step 1
What it practices
- Initiates play, offering cues to peers to join them.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Demonstrates friendly behaviour, initiating conversations and forming good relationships with peers and familiar adults.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Keeps play going by responding to what others are saying or doing.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Encourage children to choose to play with a variety of friends from all backgrounds, so that everybody in the group experiences being included.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)