22mo–3y12 minFree playChore timeArt
Use It, Care For It, Do It Myself
A short play-and-tidy routine where you teaches your child how to use and care for simple materials safely, then steps back to show trust and support independence.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a small set of materials (choose one set): crayons and paper OR blocks OR plastic cups and a cloth
- a simple storage place (basket/box) for putting items away
Nice to have
- a small cloth or sponge for wiping
- a low tray or towel to define the 'work area'
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
- MilestoneCan select and use activities and resources with help.Heart· 22mo–3y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneHelps with simple household tasksHeart· 18mo–3y· core
- MilestoneBegins self-care independenceBody· 22mo–3y· core
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneRemembers where objects belong.Mind· 20mo–2.7y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneMatches parts of objects that fit together, e.g. puts lid on teapot.Mind· 16mo–2.2y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneParticipates in hygiene routinesBody· 15mo–2.3y· stretch
What it practices
- Beginning to recognise danger and seeks support of significant adults for help.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Drinks well without spilling.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Helps with clothing, e.g. puts on hat, unzips zipper on jacket, takes off unbuttoned shirt.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Feeds self competently with spoon.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Teach children to use and care for materials, and then trust them to do so independently.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)