16mo–2.2y12 minArtFree playQuiet time
Roll, Press, Pop: Dough Tool Play
A hands-on dough (or sand) activity where your child uses a roller, sticks, and moulds to press, poke, roll, and release—building controlled hand movements with lots of sensory motivation.
What you'll need
Essentials
- playdough (or homemade dough) OR a tray of sand (if available)
- a ‘roller’ (small rolling pin, bottle, or sturdy cardboard tube)
- a ‘stick’ tool (chopstick, wooden spoon handle, or safe blunt stick)
- one mould/cutter (cup, bowl, or cookie cutter)
- a tray/plate to contain mess
Nice to have
- damp cloth for quick clean-up
- an old apron or T-shirt (optional)
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneExperiments with object actionsMind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Steps 1, 4
- MilestoneExplores objects by linking together different approaches: shaking, hitting, looking, feeling, tasting, mouthing, pulling, turning and poking.Body· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneUses mark-making toolsBody· 22mo–2.8y· core
- MilestoneScribbles or makes marksBody· 12mo–22mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· core· Step 3
- MilestonePalmar grasp on writing toolBody· 10mo–22mo· stretch
- MilestoneEnjoys filling and emptying containers.Mind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneStops when instructedHeart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneResponds to a few appropriate boundaries, with encouragement and support.Heart· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneUnderstands no or prohibitive wordsMind· 9mo–18mo· core· Step 2
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide sticks, rollers and moulds for young children to use in dough, clay or sand.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)