2.5y–4.2y11 minArtFree playFamily time
Show-My-Hands Studio: Drips & Wobbles
A coached create-and-build session where the adult demonstrates a practical technique right inside the child’s activity (e.g., stopping paint drips and balancing blocks), then supports your child to try the technique and use it independently.
What you'll need
Essentials
- paper/cardboard (for painting) OR a washable surface you’re okay getting wet
- washable paint OR water + a little food colouring (optional) OR a wet sponge/brush
- blocks/stacking cups (for building a small tower)
- small cloth/towel (for wiping drips/hands)
Nice to have
- tray/plate (to reduce mess)
- masking tape (to hold paper still)
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
- MilestoneImitates multi step actionsMind· 2.8y–3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneUses simple tools and techniques competently and appropriately.Body· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneControls tools effectivelyBody· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneBuilds block structures (vertical, walls, enclosures)Body· 2.5y–4.2y· core
- MilestoneBuilds a tall tower of 6 or more blocksBody· 2.3y–3.2y· core
- MilestoneListens to others one to one or in small groups, when conversation interests them.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneBuilds with non-block construction piecesBody· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch
What it practices
- Explores colour and how colours can be changed.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses various construction materials.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Understands that they can use lines to enclose a space, and then begin to use these shapes to represent objects.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Demonstrate and teach skills and techniques associated with the things children are doing, for example, show them how to stop the paint from dripping or how to balance bricks so that they will not fall down.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)