3.3y–5y14 minFree playArtFamily time
Skills-in-Action Build & Explain
Seed instruction appears truncated; this activity is a minimal, valid expansion that still provides opportunities for the child to use skills (building, choosing, explaining) to explore concepts and ideas through their representations.
What you'll need
Essentials
- plastic cups or small boxes (recyclables are fine)
- tape
- paper
- crayons or pencils
Nice to have
- string
- small toys/figures to place into the built scene
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
- MilestoneCreate simple representations of events, people and objects.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core· Steps 1, 2, 3, 4
- MilestoneManipulates materials to achieve a planned effect.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneSelects appropriate resources and adapts work where necessary.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneTalks about own interests and ideasMind· 4y–5y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneGives meaning to own drawings or marksMind· 2.8y–3.8y· core· Steps 3, 4
- MilestoneIndependent connected storytellingMind· 4y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneChooses particular colours to use for a purpose.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 3
What it practices
- Create simple representations of events, people and objects.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Initiates new combinations of movement and gesture in order to express and respond to feelings, ideas and experiences.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Chooses particular colours to use for a purpose.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Introduces a storyline or narrative into their play.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Plays alongside other children who are engaged in the same theme.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Plays cooperatively as part of a group to develop and act out a narrative.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide children with opportunities to use their”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)