2.5y–4.2y10 minDevelopmental playFree playFamily time
Stretch-the-Word Writing
A quick, meaningful writing game where you encourage your child to ‘say it slowly’ and use the sounds they hear to choose letters when writing labels, lists, or messages.
What you'll need
Essentials
- paper or a small notebook
- a thick marker/crayon or pencil
- 2–4 familiar objects or toys (e.g., cup, car, cat toy, ball)
Nice to have
- sticky notes (for quick labels)
- an envelope (for a short message)
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
- MilestoneForms recognisable letters independentlyMind· 3.3y–5y· core· Steps 2, 3
- MilestoneGives meaning to own drawings or marksMind· 2.8y–3.8y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneUses mark-making toolsBody· 22mo–2.8y· core· Steps 2, 3
- MilestoneStays focused during activityMind· 2.5y–3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneNames lettersMind· 3.3y–5y· stretch
- MilestoneShows object-function knowledgeMind· 2.7y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneWrites name-related lettersMind· 3.3y–5y· core
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Encourage the children to use their phonic knowledge when writing.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)