16mo–2.2y12 minOutdoorActive playFamily time
Puddles, Trees, and Textures Walk
A short outdoor exploration where you encourages your child to investigate puddles, trees, and different ground surfaces (grass, concrete, pebbles) using simple sensory language, safe boundaries, and playful comparisons.
What you'll need
Essentials
- weather-appropriate clothes and safe footwear for your child
- a towel or cloth for drying hands
- a small container or cup (optional for collecting a little water/pebbles with supervision)
Nice to have
- a spare pair of socks
- a small snack and water (optional)
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
- MilestoneHas a strong exploratory impulse.Mind· 8mo–20mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneNotices detailed features of objects in their environment.Mind· 22mo–3y· stretch
- MilestoneResponds to a few appropriate boundaries, with encouragement and support.Heart· 8mo–20mo· stretch
- MilestoneFollows visually supported instructionsMind· 8mo–18mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneSingle channelled attention. Can shift to a different task if attention fully obtained – using child’s name helps focus.Mind· 16mo–2.2y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneStops when instructedHeart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneEnjoys filling and emptying containers.Mind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneHelps with simple household tasksHeart· 18mo–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneRemembers where objects belong.Mind· 20mo–2.7y· stretch· Steps 3, 4
What it practices
- Remembers where objects belong.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Matches parts of objects that fit together, e.g. puts lid on teapot.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Enjoys playing with small-world models such as a farm, a garage, or a train track.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Encourage young children to explore puddles, trees and surfaces such as grass, concrete or pebbles.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)