8mo–20mo8 minFree playQuiet time
Pattern & Place Pointer
A short, baby-led home mini-tour where the parent draws attention to interesting areas (especially patterned surfaces), then repeats a simple peek-and-find game to build curiosity and close observation.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a small safe toy (avoid choking hazards)
- a patterned item (e.g., towel, scarf, cushion cover, rug)
Nice to have
- a cardboard book or magazine
- a second textured item (e.g., foil wrapper, bubble wrap inside a sock)
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
- MilestoneLooks around a room with interest; visually scans environment for novel, interesting objects and events.Mind· 0mo–11mo· core· Step 4
- MilestoneAnticipates repeated sounds, sights and actions, e.g. when an adult demonstrates an action toy several times.Mind· 8mo–20mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneHas a strong exploratory impulse.Mind· 8mo–20mo· stretch
- MilestoneFinds a visibly hidden objectMind· 7mo–14mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneSearches for disappeared objectMind· 6mo–12mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneAnticipates routine sequencesMind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneDeveloping the ability to follow others’ body language, including pointing and gesture.Mind· 10mo–15mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneExplores or responds to texturesBody· 6mo–12mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneResponds to peek-a-booHeart· 8mo–10mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneReaches for nearby objectsBody· 4mo–11mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneCrawls or scoots for floor mobilityBody· 7mo–12mo· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
- Closely observes what animals, people and vehicles do.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Watches toy being hidden and tries to find it.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Looks for dropped objects.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Anticipates repeated sounds, sights and actions, e.g. when an adult demonstrates an action toy several times.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Draw attention to things in different areas that stimulate interest, such as a patterned surface.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)