2.5y–4.2y12 minMusicArtFree play
Music, Paint, Sculpt: A Quick Sampler
A short ‘sampler’ that introduces your child to contrasting music, a simple paint response, and a mini sculpture build—supporting playful exploration of rhythm, movement, and materials.
What you'll need
Essentials
- phone/speaker for music (or your singing)
- paper or recycled cardboard
- crayons/markers
- washable paint OR a little water with food colouring (optional paintbrush or sponge)
- homemade dough/playdough OR aluminium foil (for a quick sculpture)
- old towel or mat for mess protection
Nice to have
- two wooden spoons (or two plastic containers) for tapping rhythms
- baby wipes/warm cloth for quick clean-up
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
- MilestoneCopies a tapping patternMind· 2.8y–3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneProduces a simple rhythmMind· 2.8y–3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneShapes playdough with controlBody· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneCopies movements to musicBody· 18mo–3.3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneProduces controlled varied strokesBody· 2y–3y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneManipulates materials to achieve a planned effect.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneCreate simple representations of events, people and objects.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneUses mark-making toolsBody· 22mo–2.8y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneCreates sounds by banging, shaking, tapping or blowing.Mind· 7mo–10mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneReceptive opposite understandingMind· 4y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneBuilds with non-block construction piecesBody· 2.5y–4.2y· core
- MilestoneBuilds block structures (vertical, walls, enclosures)Body· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch
What it practices
- Enjoys joining in with dancing and ring games.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Sings a few familiar songs.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Beginning to move rhythmically.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Imitates movement in response to music.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Taps out simple repeated rhythms.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Introduce children to a wide range of music, painting and sculpture.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)