8mo–20mo8 minChore timeFamily timeFree play
Tidy‑Up Homes Game
A short tidy-up routine that turns putting things away into a matching-and-fitting game, supporting early logic and reasoning about where things belong for 8–20 months.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2 containers (e.g., baskets, shoe boxes, empty pots)
- 6–10 safe, easy-to-hold items to put away (e.g., soft blocks, socks, plastic cups, chunky toys)
Nice to have
- a low shelf/drawer to act as a 'home' for one group of items
- a short 'tidy up' song you like
- a small towel/cloth (to wipe/finish the routine)
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
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Use ‘tidy up time’ to promote logic and reasoning about where things fit in or are kept.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)