2.5y–4.2y12 minArtFree playFamily time
Mix, Join, Combine Maker Station
Guide the adult to set up a simple maker station with household materials so your child can mix colours, join pieces together, and combine materials, with brief modelling and lots of child-led experimenting.
What you'll need
Essentials
- paper or cardboard (any size)
- tape or glue stick
- 2–3 colour sources (choose what you have: washable paint, coloured markers, or a tiny bit of food colouring mixed into water)
Nice to have
- small lids/plates for mixing colours (optional)
- scrap materials to combine (foil, fabric scraps, leaves, packaging card)
- a cloth/wipes for quick clean-up (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
- MilestoneUnderstands that different media can be combined to create new effects.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneExplores what happens when they mix colours.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneBuilds with non-block construction piecesBody· 2.5y–4.2y· core
- MilestoneUses simple tools and techniques competently and appropriately.Body· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneDescribes object propertiesMind· 2.5y–3y· stretch
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Steps 1, 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
- Realises tools can be used for a purpose.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses various construction materials.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide resources for mixing colours, joining things together and combining materials, demonstrating where appropriate.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)