2.5y–4.2y12 minDevelopmental playFree playOutdoor
Sensory Explorer: Tech Helpers
An inclusive exploration where you add extra sensory information (touch, close-up visuals, clear sound) and use simple technology to help your child access and learn about the world around them.
What you'll need
Essentials
- one interesting real object (e.g., leaf, spoon, stone, toy animal)
- a torch/flashlight
- a phone or tablet with a camera
Nice to have
- a sound-making toy/book with buttons
- paper and marker for drawing what you notice
- headphones or a quiet corner to reduce background noise
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
- MilestoneShows skill in making toys work by pressing parts or lifting flaps to achieve effects such as sound, movements or new images.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneActivates buttons and switchesBody· 2y–2.5y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneFollows instructions with several steps or actionsMind· 3.3y–4y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneFollows ordered multi-step directionsMind· 4y–5.6y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneShows object-function knowledgeMind· 2.7y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneNotices detailed features of objects in their environment.Mind· 22mo–3y· core
- MilestoneExplains own knowledge and understanding, and asks appropriate questions of others.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch
What it practices
- Knows how to operate simple equipment, e.g. turns on CD player and uses remote control.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Shows an interest in technological toys with knobs or pulleys, or real objects such as cameras or mobile phones.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Shows skill in making toys work by pressing parts or lifting flaps to achieve effects such as sound, movements or new images.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Knows that information can be retrieved from computersObservable behaviour from Development Matters
- Completes a simple program on a computer.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Support children with sensory impairment by providing supplementary experience and information to enhance their learning about the world around them.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)