8mo–20mo10 minSelf-careFamily timeFree play
Uh‑Oh Sock Solver
A playful problem-solving routine where you talks through small everyday ‘puzzles’ (sock dropped, spoon fallen, toy out of reach), asks your child if they can try, and offers just‑enough help when needed.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a sock or small cloth (or an everyday item that safely ‘falls’)
- a safe space for your child to sit, crawl, or stand supported
- one simple ‘puzzle’ moment (sock fell nearby, spoon dropped, toy partly under a cushion)
Nice to have
- a small basket/box for ‘rescued’ items
- a cloth for quick clean-up
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
- MilestoneGestures to recruit helpMind· 9mo–21mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneExplores with caregiver as secure baseHeart· 10mo–20mo· stretch
- MilestoneGestures wants or needsMind· 10mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestonePoints and gazes to share attentionHeart· 8mo–2y· core
- MilestoneChildren’s later writing is based on skills and understandings which they develop as babies and toddlers. Before they can write, they need to learn to use spoken language to communicate. Later they learn to write down the words they can say. (See the roots of Writing in Communication and language).Mind· 0mo–11mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneFeeds self with spoonBody· 12mo–2.1y· stretch
What it practices
- Attempts to use spoon: can guide towards mouth but food often falls off.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Holds own bottle or cup.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Can actively cooperate with nappy changing (lies still, helps hold legs up).Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Talk to babies about puzzles they encounter such as how to get their sock back from where it has fallen, asking whether they can do it or if they might need help.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)