8mo–20mo8 minArtFamily timeBath time
Swirl, Poke, Pat Sensory Marks
A baby-safe sensory mark-making activity using dough or edible paint to practice finger movements (swirl, poke, pat) while observing comfort with textures, hand control, and enjoyment.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a shallow tray or baking sheet
- a towel for under the tray
- homemade dough (flour + water) OR plain yogurt for ‘edible paint’
- a damp cloth or wipes for quick clean-up
Nice to have
- a zip-top bag (to explore squishing without direct touch)
- a spoon or silicone spatula
- a soft sponge or washcloth
- a drop of food coloring (only if appropriate for your child)
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
- MilestoneScribbles or makes marksBody· 12mo–22mo· core
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· stretch· Steps 2, 3
- MilestonePincer grasp for small objectsBody· 8mo–12mo· stretch
- MilestoneBangs two held objects togetherBody· 8mo–10mo· stretch
- MilestoneExplores objects by linking together different approaches: shaking, hitting, looking, feeling, tasting, mouthing, pulling, turning and poking.Body· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Steps 2, 3
What it practices
- Enjoys the sensory experience of making marks in damp sand, paste or paint.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Holds pen or crayon using a whole hand (palmar) grasp and makes random marks with different strokes.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Picks up small objects between thumb and fingers.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
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)