2.5y–4.2y15 minChore timeFamily timeMealtime
Read the Instructions: Recipe Steps Together
Use a simple set of instructions (a no-cook snack ‘recipe’ or picture instructions) to practise listening to words, noticing first sounds and letters, and blending a few short words while following steps with your child.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a very simple 3-step instruction (written on paper or shown on a phone) (e.g., make a sandwich, make a fruit bowl)
- everyday ingredients/items for the instructions (e.g., bread + spread; fruit; bowl; spoon)
Nice to have
- paper and a pen (to tick off steps)
- a few letter magnets/tiles (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
- MilestoneFollows instructions with several steps or actionsMind· 3.3y–4y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneFollows ordered multi-step directionsMind· 4y–5.6y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneNames lettersMind· 3.3y–5y· core
- MilestoneAttends to book contentMind· 18mo–2.6y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneAttends to Shared Book ReadingMind· 18mo–2.7y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneIdentifies named picturesMind· 2y–3y· core· Step 3
- MilestonePours or serves food or drink with supervisionBody· 3y–5y· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
- Hears and says the initial sound in words.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Links sounds to letters, naming and sounding the letters of the alphabet.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Can segment the sounds in simple words and blend them together and knows which letters represent some of them.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Introduce children to books and other materials that provide information or instructions. Carry out activities using instructions, such as reading a recipe to make a cake.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)