2.5y–4.2y12 minSocial playFree playFamily time
Role-Play Writing Jobs: Shop, Café, Doctor
A quick role-play where you build in simple writing ‘jobs’ (signs, orders, tickets, labels) so your child experiments with writing as part of play and explains what marks mean.
What you'll need
Essentials
- paper (a few sheets) or a small notebook (or folded paper)
- chunky crayons/markers or a pencil
- 3–6 role-play props from home (cups/spoons, toy food, empty boxes/containers, a doll/teddy)
Nice to have
- tape (to hang signs/labels)
- stickers (as ‘stamps’ or ‘ticks’)
- an old receipt/menu/junk mail (to look at print together)
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 mark-making toolsBody· 22mo–2.8y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneGives meaning to own drawings or marksMind· 2.8y–3.8y· core
- MilestoneShows object-function knowledgeMind· 2.7y–5y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneWrites name-related lettersMind· 3.3y–5y· stretch
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Include opportunities for writing during role-play and other activities.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)