2.5y–4.2y10 minOutdoorFamily time
Notice & Wonder Walk
A short local-area walk (or a window/doorstep alternative) that helps your child notice features in the environment, describe what they see, and capture one finding with a photo or quick sketch.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a small bag or container (for safe finds like leaves)
Nice to have
- phone camera
- paper and pencil or crayons
- a few stickers or sticky notes
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
- MilestoneNotices detailed features of objects in their environment.Mind· 22mo–3y· core
- MilestoneDescribes object propertiesMind· 2.5y–3y· stretch
- 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
- MilestoneGives meaning to own drawings or marksMind· 2.8y–3.8y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneCompares object propertiesMind· 2.8y–5y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneUses mark-making toolsBody· 22mo–2.8y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneActivates buttons and switchesBody· 2y–2.5y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneIdentifies named picturesMind· 2y–3y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneShows object-function knowledgeMind· 2.7y–5y· core· Step 4
What it practices
- Shows an interest in technological toys with knobs or pulleys, or real objects such as cameras or mobile phones.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Knows how to operate simple equipment, e.g. turns on CD player and uses remote control.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Knows that information can be retrieved from computersObservable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Arouse awareness of features of the environment in the setting and immediate local area, e.g. make visits to shops or a park.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)