16mo–2.2y12 minMealtimeFamily timeQuiet time
My Choice, My Way: Snack & Activity Picks
A choice-rich routine where you set up accessible ways for your child (including children with disabilities) to choose between carers/activities and express preferences using objects, pictures, gestures, or simple words.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2 small snack/drink options (real objects, empty cups, or pictures)
- paper and pen (or sticky notes) to draw simple choice symbols
- a small tray or surface to present one choice at a time
Nice to have
- 2 photos/pictures for ‘who helps me’ (e.g., two carers, or a carer + teddy as pretend)
- a small bowl/box to ‘post’ the chosen picture into
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneGestures wants or needsMind· 10mo–2.3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneDemonstrates sense of self as an individual, e.g. wants to do things independently, says “No” to adult.Heart· 16mo–2.2y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneDevelops own likes and dislikes in food and drink.Heart· 16mo–2.2y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestonePoints and gazes to share attentionHeart· 8mo–2y· stretch
- MilestoneBegins self-care independenceBody· 22mo–3y· core
- MilestoneWilling to try new food textures and tastes.Body· 16mo–2.2y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneFeeds self with spoonBody· 12mo–2.1y· stretch
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Making choices is important for all children. Consider ways in which you provide for children with disabilities to make choices, and express preferences about their carers and activities.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)