3.3y–5y10 minArtQuiet timeFree play
Squeeze, Prod, Press Lab
A hands-on talk activity using soft materials to practise manipulation vocabulary (squeeze, prod, press) and safe, controlled use of simple tools.
What you'll need
Essentials
- soft material to manipulate (playdough, salt dough, or a soft sponge)
- a tray/plate/tabletop surface
Nice to have
- plastic spoon or blunt plastic knife
- fork or straw (supervised)
- paper and pencil/crayon
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneExtends vocabulary, especially by grouping and naming, exploring the meaning and sounds of new words.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneShapes playdough with controlBody· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneManipulates materials to achieve a planned effect.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Steps 2, 3
- MilestoneChanges materials with simple toolsBody· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneUses tools and equipment safelyHeart· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneFollows adult safety guidanceHeart· 2.5y–4y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneUses finger-thumb pencil graspBody· 2.8y–4y· stretch
- MilestoneUses child scissorsBody· 2.9y–5y· stretch
What it practices
- Uses simple tools to effect changes to materials.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Handles tools, objects, construction and malleable materials safely and with increasing control.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- They handle equipment and tools effectively, including pencils for writing.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Introduce and encourage children to use the vocabulary of manipulation, e.g. ‘squeeze’ and ‘prod.’”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)