22mo–3y8 minChore timeMealtimeFamily time
Snack Sort: Apples Here, Celery There
A simple snack-prep helper activity where you invites your child to sort apple pieces onto one dish and celery pieces onto another, building early categorising, comparing, and routine awareness.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2 small dishes or bowls
- pre-cut apple pieces (adult prepares safely)
- pre-cut celery pieces (adult prepares safely)
- a clear table space and a cloth for quick wipe-up
Nice to have
- a small tray (to keep pieces contained)
- a damp cloth or wipes (for hands/table cleanup)
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
- MilestoneSorts Objects by AttributeMind· 2.3y–3.2y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneGroups category membersMind· 2y–3y· core
- MilestoneHelps with simple household tasksHeart· 18mo–3y· stretch
- MilestoneFollows linked routine actionsMind· 18mo–2.3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneFollows two spoken directionsMind· 16mo–2.3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneStops when instructedHeart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 4
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Encourage children, when helping with domestic tasks, to put all the pieces of apple on one dish and all the pieces of celery on another for snacks.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)