3.3y–5y10 minArtFamily timeQuiet time
My Idea, My Way Gallery
A short create-and-share activity that builds confidence by validating the child's chosen way of representing an idea (drawing, modelling, arranging) and inviting simple narrative about their creation.
What you'll need
Essentials
- paper or cardboard (e.g., cereal box)
- crayons or pencils
- a few small household objects (e.g., toy figure, spoon, bottle cap)
Nice to have
- tape
- old magazines or junk mail to tear/cut (with adult help)
- phone/camera to take a photo
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
- MilestoneCreate simple representations of events, people and objects.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core
- MilestoneCaptures experiences and responses with a range of media, such as music, dance and paint and other materials or words.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch
- MilestoneDeveloping preferences for forms of expression.Heart· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneTalks about own interests and ideasMind· 4y–5y· core· Steps 1, 2, 5
- MilestoneGives meaning to own drawings or marksMind· 2.8y–3.8y· stretch
- MilestoneChooses particular colours to use for a purpose.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch
- MilestoneIndependent connected storytellingMind· 4y–5y· stretch· Step 5
What it practices
- Create simple representations of events, people and objects.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Initiates new combinations of movement and gesture in order to express and respond to feelings, ideas and experiences.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Chooses particular colours to use for a purpose.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Introduces a storyline or narrative into their play.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Plays alongside other children who are engaged in the same theme.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Plays cooperatively as part of a group to develop and act out a narrative.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Help children to gain confidence in their own way of representing ideas.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)