2.5y–4.2y11 minFree playArtFamily time
Model Museum Holding Bay
A coached home setup where the adult creates a ‘holding bay’ to retain models and creations for a period, so your child can enjoy them, develop them, and refer back to them—supporting continuity, reflection, and extending ideas.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a tray/box lid or a small shelf/corner surface (the ‘holding bay’)
- blocks/recycled boxes OR paper + tape (for making a simple model)
- tape or a sticky note (to label the holding bay)
Nice to have
- phone camera (optional photo record)
- a second small container (to store loose pieces safely)
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
- MilestoneManipulates materials to achieve a planned effect.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneSelects appropriate resources and adapts work where necessary.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneBuilds with non-block construction piecesBody· 2.5y–4.2y· core
- MilestoneNotices detailed features of objects in their environment.Mind· 22mo–3y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneBuilds block structures (vertical, walls, enclosures)Body· 2.5y–4.2y· core
- MilestoneDescribes object propertiesMind· 2.5y–3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneCompares object propertiesMind· 2.8y–5y· stretch
What it practices
- Uses various construction materials.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
- Beginning to be interested in and describe the texture of things.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Have a ‘holding bay’ where models and works can be retained for a period for children to enjoy, develop, or refer to.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)