2.5y–4.2y12 minFree playArtFamily time
Pretend Prop Maker
A quick prop-making routine where your child chooses everyday materials (paper/boxes/fabric) to make a simple prop that helps keep familiar role-play going.
What you'll need
Essentials
- scrap paper (plain or recycled)
- tape (masking tape or sellotape)
- a marker or crayon
- a small box (e.g., tissues/cereal box)
- a cloth/napkin/scarf (any fabric scrap)
Nice to have
- stickers (for stamps/badges)
- string/ribbon (for a lanyard/strap)
- child-safe scissors (adult supervised, 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
- MilestoneSelects appropriate resources and adapts work where necessary.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core· Steps 2, 4
- MilestoneManipulates materials to achieve a planned effect.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneEnacts a pretend roleMind· 3y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneCreate simple representations of events, people and objects.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneUses symbolic substitution (objects and words) in playMind· 20mo–3y· core
- MilestoneReenacts familiar experiencesMind· 2.2y–3.8y· stretch
- MilestonePretends with imagined roles or thingsMind· 2y–3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneCan select and use activities and resources with help.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Steps 1, 2
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneAssigns roles in shared playHeart· 4y–5y· core· Steps 1, 3
What it practices
- Uses available resources to create props to support role-play.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Engages in imaginative role-play based on own first-hand experiences.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Notices what adults do, imitating what is observed and then doing it spontaneously when the adult is not there.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE) — construct-derived activity authored from enriched DM2012 construct