2.5y–4.2y12 minFamily timeQuiet timeActive play
Mood Corners: Quiet & Active
A 10-minute home set-up-and-practice routine where you creates a simple quiet space and a simple active space, then helps your child match spaces to feelings and practise smooth transitions for better self-regulation.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a blanket or cushion (for a quiet corner)
- 2–3 safe ‘active’ items (e.g., pillows to step on, a ball, a scarf to wave)
Nice to have
- a book (for the quiet corner)
- paper and pen (to draw a quiet/active sign)
Movement level: mild
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneCalms with adult helpHeart· 20mo–3.2y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneSettles after excitementHeart· 4y–6y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneUses movement to express feelings.Heart· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneAdjusts to stated expectationsHeart· 2.5y–3.7y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneInitiates a calming strategyHeart· 18mo–3y· core
- MilestoneExpresses feelings through words or actionsHeart· 22mo–3y· stretch
- MilestoneChanges behaviour across settingsHeart· 3y–4y· core
- MilestoneStops when instructedHeart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneReceptive opposite understandingMind· 4y–5y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneCan select and use activities and resources with help.Heart· 22mo–3y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 1
What it practices
- Growing ability to distract self when upset, e.g. by engaging in a new play activity.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Can usually adapt behaviour to different events, social situations and changes in routine.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Shows understanding and cooperates with some boundaries and routines.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Can express their own feelings such as sad, happy, cross, scared, worried.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide areas to mirror different moods and feelings- quiet restful areas as well as areas for active exploration.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)