3.3y–5y12 minChore timeFamily timeFree play
Plan It, Then Build It
A quick planning-and-doing challenge where your child talks through how to accomplish a task, sequences the steps, then carries out the plan with simple household materials.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2 sturdy books (as supports)
- a flat item for a 'bridge' (cardboard, cereal box piece, or a baking tray)
- a small toy to cross the bridge (car/figure)
- paper and pencil (for a simple step list or drawing)
Nice to have
- masking tape (for stability)
- timer (phone)
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
- MilestoneUses talk to organise, sequence and clarify thinking, ideas, feelings and events.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core· Steps 1, 2
- MilestoneFollows instructions with several steps or actionsMind· 3.3y–4y· core
- MilestoneSelects appropriate resources and adapts work where necessary.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneSays what will happen nextMind· 2.5y–4y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneBuilds with non-block construction piecesBody· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneLinks statements and sticks to a main theme or intention.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneSustains back-and-forth conversationMind· 3.3y–5y· stretch
- MilestoneComplex connected sentencesMind· 4y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneTalks about own interests and ideasMind· 4y–5y· core· Step 1
What it practices
- Responds to instructions involving a two-part sequence.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Children follow instructions involving several ideas or actions. They answer ‘how’ and ‘why’ questions about their experiences and in response to stories or events.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Listens and responds to ideas expressed by others in conversation or discussion.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Ask children to think in advance about how they will accomplish a task. Talk through and sequence the stages together.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)