3.3y–5y10 minDevelopmental playArtQuiet time
Steady Hands Tool Time
Create a stable, confidence-building fine-motor workspace using a non-slip base, small trays, and thicker grips made from household materials; observe comfort, control, and persistence.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a baking tray or shallow box lid (to contain materials)
- a non-slip base (e.g., a damp tea towel or shelf liner) to go under the tray
- paper (any size) and tape
- a pencil, crayon, or marker
- masking tape, a sock, or a small piece of sponge/cloth (to make a thicker grip)
Nice to have
- play dough (store-bought or homemade) for a hand warm-up
- a timer (phone)
- a small notepad for short marks
- stickers (as targets for dots/circles)
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
- MilestoneControls tools effectivelyBody· 3.3y–5y· core· Steps 2, 3
- MilestoneUses finger-thumb pencil graspBody· 2.8y–4y· core
- MilestoneHandles varied tools with controlBody· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneUses simple tools and techniques competently and appropriately.Body· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneUnderstands that they can use lines to enclose a space, and then begin to use these shapes to represent objects.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneUses child scissorsBody· 2.9y–5y· core
What it practices
- 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
- Uses a pencil and holds it effectively to form recognisable letters, most of which are correctly formed.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Support children with physical difficulties with nonslip mats, small trays for equipment, and triangular or thicker writing tools.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)