2.5y–4.2y12 minOutdoorFree playArt
Nature Arrange, Compare, Order
Using leaves, stones, sticks, or other natural finds, your child arranges, compares, and orders items by size/length and makes simple patterns with adult language support.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a small collection of natural items (5–12 total): sticks, leaves, stones, pinecones, petals
- a clear space to lay items out (ground, tray, towel, or table)
Nice to have
- a bowl or small container (to collect items)
- a phone camera (to take a picture of the arrangement)
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
- MilestoneDiscriminates longer and shorterMind· 2.8y–4.2y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneReceptive spatial-word understandingMind· 2.7y–3.2y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneDiscriminates bigger and smallerMind· 2.2y–3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneExpressive spatial descriptionMind· 2.5y–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneNotices detailed features of objects in their environment.Mind· 22mo–3y· stretch
- MilestoneSorts Objects by AttributeMind· 2.3y–3.2y· core
- MilestoneReceptive opposite understandingMind· 4y–5y· stretch· Step 2
What it practices
- Shows an interest in shape and space by playing with shapes or making arrangements with objects.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Shows interest in shape by sustained construction activity or by talking about shapes or arrangements.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses positional language.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Shows interest in shapes in the environment.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Shows awareness of similarities of shapes in the environment.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide a range of natural materials for children to arrange, compare and order.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)