2.5y–4.2y10 minFamily timeFree playSocial play
My People, My Routine
A short planning-plus-play activity to create predictable ‘who is with me’ routines (key people and small groups), then practise friendly, steady interactions through a simple group game.
What you'll need
Essentials
- paper and pen/pencil
- 3-6 small toys (teddy/dolls/animals/figures)
Nice to have
- family photos (printed or on your phone)
- tape or sticky notes
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
- MilestoneDemonstrates friendly behaviour, initiating conversations and forming good relationships with peers and familiar adults.Heart· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Steps 1, 3, 4
- MilestoneCooperative turn-taking play with peersHeart· 4y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneCooperative peer playHeart· 2.7y–3.8y· core
- MilestoneSeeks play with other childrenHeart· 3y–4y· stretch
- MilestoneJoins other children in playHeart· 2.3y–3.2y· stretch
- MilestoneSeeks out others to share experiences.Heart· 14mo–2.2y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneIdentifies named picturesMind· 2y–3y· stretch· Step 1
What it practices
- Initiates play, offering cues to peers to join them.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Keeps play going by responding to what others are saying or doing.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Demonstrates friendly behaviour, initiating conversations and forming good relationships with peers and familiar adults.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide stability in staffing, key person relationships and in grouping of the children.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)