2.5y–4.2y12 minSocial playFamily timeQuiet time
Persona Pal Problem-Solving
Use a doll/soft toy as a ‘persona’ to explore feelings, help others feel better about themselves, and practise calm ways to deal with conflicting opinions.
What you'll need
Essentials
- one doll or soft toy (the ‘persona pal’)
- paper and a pen/crayon
Nice to have
- 2 small props (e.g., block and crayon) to represent two different choices
- a timer (optional)
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
- MilestoneNegotiates peer conflictsHeart· 4y–5y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneComforts a distressed personHeart· 3y–4.5y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneOffers comfortHeart· 3y–4.5y· core
- MilestoneVerbalizes empathyHeart· 4y–5y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneCalms with adult helpHeart· 20mo–3.2y· stretch
- MilestoneAnswers story questionsMind· 2.1y–3.1y· core· Step 1
- MilestonePretends with imagined roles or thingsMind· 2y–3y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneAnswers questions about a storyMind· 4y–6y· core· Step 1
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Use Persona Dolls to help children consider feelings, ways to help others feel better about themselves, and dealing with conflicting opinions.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)