2.5y–4.2y12 minDevelopmental playQuiet timeFamily time
Tiny Timer Focus Quest
A gentle timer-supported routine that helps your child practise focusing attention on one simple task for a short, predictable period, then stopping and returning—supporting concentration without pressure.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a timer (sand timer if you have one, kitchen timer, or phone timer)
- a simple focus task using household items (e.g., blocks to stack, socks to sort, puzzle, stickers, or crayons and paper)
Nice to have
- a small tray or container (to keep pieces together)
- a comfort object (if your child finds waiting hard)
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 sand timers to help extend concentration for children who find it difficult to focus their attention on a task.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)