3.3y–5y12 minOutdoorFree playFamily time
Pattern Rubbing Safari
A short texture-rubbing hunt where you helps your child notice, compare, and talk about repeating patterns on everyday surfaces, then create a simple pattern of their own.
What you'll need
Essentials
- paper (plain or recycled)
- crayon or pencil
- masking tape (optional for holding paper)
Nice to have
- clipboard or book to lean on
- child-safe scissors (adult helps)
- blocks or bottle tops for making a pattern
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
- MilestoneCompares object propertiesMind· 2.8y–5y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneExperiments to create different textures.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core
- MilestoneManipulates materials to achieve a planned effect.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneNotices detailed features of objects in their environment.Mind· 22mo–3y· stretch
- MilestoneIdentifies shared category featuresMind· 2.8y–5y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneUses talk to organise, sequence and clarify thinking, ideas, feelings and events.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch
- MilestoneSays what will happen nextMind· 2.5y–4y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneTalks about own interests and ideasMind· 4y–5y· core· Step 3
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Help children to notice and discuss patterns around them, e.g. rubbings from grates, covers, or bricks.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)