2.5y–4.2y12 minFree playStory timeOutdoor
Portal to an Imaginary World
A pretend-world building activity where the parent encourages inventiveness, offers light support and advice at moments, and draws on stimulating experiences to enrich the child’s imaginary world.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a blanket or sheet (portal/den)
- a cardboard box or two cushions (spaceship/cave)
- a soft toy/figure (traveler)
Nice to have
- flashlight/phone torch (parent controls)
- paper and crayons (map)
Movement level: mild
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneCreates pretend small world stories with toysMind· 3y–4y· core
- MilestonePlans a pretend scenarioMind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestonePretends with imagined roles or thingsMind· 2y–3y· stretch
- MilestoneSelects appropriate resources and adapts work where necessary.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneCaptures experiences and responses with a range of media, such as music, dance and paint and other materials or words.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneTalks about own interests and ideasMind· 4y–5y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneShows object-function knowledgeMind· 2.7y–5y· core· Step 2
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Support children’s excursions into imaginary worlds by encouraging inventiveness, offering support and advice on occasions and ensuring that they have experiences that stimulate their interest.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)