2.5y–4.2y9 minFamily timeFree playOutdoor
Tech Detective: Spot, Name, Use
A short “tech spotting” routine where you helps your child notice everyday ICT, talk about what it does, and try safe controls with adult supervision.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2–4 everyday tech items to notice (e.g., remote control, torch, calculator, old phone in airplane mode)
- a safe place to sit or stand together
Nice to have
- a phone/tablet camera (optional)
- sticky notes or paper labels (optional)
- a picture book about machines or community helpers (optional)
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
- MilestoneActivates buttons and switchesBody· 2y–2.5y· core· Steps 2, 3
- MilestoneShows object-function knowledgeMind· 2.7y–5y· core
- MilestoneTwists mechanismsBody· 2y–3.5y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneShows skill in making toys work by pressing parts or lifting flaps to achieve effects such as sound, movements or new images.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch
What it practices
- Shows an interest in technological toys with knobs or pulleys, or real objects such as cameras or mobile phones.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Knows how to operate simple equipment, e.g. turns on CD player and uses remote control.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Knows that information can be retrieved from computersObservable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Draw young children’s attention to pieces of ICT apparatus they see or that they use with adult supervision.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)