3.3y–5y10 minStory timeSocial playQuiet time
Persona Toy Share Stories
A short persona-doll-style story and problem-solving routine using two dolls/soft toys so your child can practise fair sharing, kind words, and getting on with others through playful role-play.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2 dolls/soft toys (or socks with faces drawn on)
- 1–3 desirable items to share (a toy car, a crayon, a snack to split)
Nice to have
- paper and a pen/pencil (to draw a 'turn' card)
- a small bowl (to hold a 'turn token')
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· core
- MilestoneUnderstands that own actions affect other people, for example, becomes upset or tries to comfort another child when they realise they have upset them.Heart· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneWaits for needs or turnsHeart· 2.5y–5y· core· Steps 2, 4
- MilestoneTakes turns in simple games with adult supportHeart· 20mo–3.3y· core· Steps 2, 4
- MilestoneVerbalizes empathyHeart· 4y–5y· stretch
- MilestoneDescribes feelings with supportHeart· 4.5y–5.5y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneAdjusts to stated expectationsHeart· 2.5y–3.7y· stretch
- MilestoneAnswers questions about a storyMind· 4y–6y· core· Steps 1, 3
What it practices
- Beginning to be able to negotiate and solve problems without aggression, e.g. when someone has taken their toy.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Understands that own actions affect other people, for example, becomes upset or tries to comfort another child when they realise they have upset them.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Aware of the boundaries set, and of behavioural expectations in the setting.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Use Persona Dolls to support children in considering fair ways to share and get on with each other.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)