8mo–20mo8 minArtDevelopmental playFamily time
Squish, Poke, Swirl Mark-Making
A simple messy-play session where your child explores making marks by patting, poking, and swirling dough/paint while practising steady sitting, reaching, and moving to a target.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a towel or old sheet (to protect the floor/table)
- a shallow tray/plate or baking sheet
- homemade dough (flour + water) or a small amount of baby-safe paint/yogurt
- a damp cloth for quick clean-ups
Nice to have
- a wooden spoon or spatula (for tapping/patting)
- a plastic lid or cup bottom (for ‘stamp’ presses)
- an apron/old t-shirt for your child
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 3-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneScribbles or makes marksBody· 12mo–22mo· core· Steps 2, 3
- MilestoneWhen sitting, can lean forward to pick up small toys.Body· 8mo–20mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneSits without supportBody· 6mo–9mo· core
- MilestoneCrawls or scoots for floor mobilityBody· 7mo–12mo· stretch
- MilestoneReaches for nearby objectsBody· 4mo–11mo· core
- MilestoneCruises along furnitureBody· 10mo–15mo· stretch· Step 3
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Show babies different ways to make marks in dough or paint by swirling, poking or patting it.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)