2.5y–4.2y13 minMusicArtFree play
Sound Story Studio: Make What You Hear
A representation-focused routine where your child uses movement, marks, and a simple model to explore ideas (fast/slow, loud/quiet, smooth/bumpy) inspired by music—supporting skillful representation and concept play.
What you'll need
Essentials
- two short pieces of contrasting music (or two different songs you can sing)
- paper/cardboard
- crayons/markers
- building items (blocks, plastic cups, small boxes) OR dough/foil
- one small toy/figure (optional, for story play)
Nice to have
- tape
- one container to use as a drum (e.g., plastic tub) and a spoon
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
- MilestoneCaptures experiences and responses with a range of media, such as music, dance and paint and other materials or words.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Steps 1, 2, 3
- MilestoneCreate simple representations of events, people and objects.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneGives meaning to own drawings or marksMind· 2.8y–3.8y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneManipulates materials to achieve a planned effect.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneInitiates new combinations of movement and gesture in order to express and respond to feelings, ideas and experiences.Body· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Steps 1, 4
- MilestoneDistinguishes between the different marks they make.Mind· 22mo–3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneBuilds with non-block construction piecesBody· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch
- MilestoneBuilds block structures (vertical, walls, enclosures)Body· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch
- MilestoneCopies a tapping patternMind· 2.8y–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneProduces a simple rhythmMind· 2.8y–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneTalks about own interests and ideasMind· 4y–5y· core· Step 1
What it practices
- Sings a few familiar songs.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Beginning to move rhythmically.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Imitates movement in response to music.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Taps out simple repeated rhythms.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Enjoys joining in with dancing and ring games.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 skills and explore concepts and ideas through their representations.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)