2.5y–4.2y10 minFree playOutdoorFamily time
Wet & Dry Question Lab
Hands-on messy play with wet and dry materials to prompt your child to ask and answer simple questions, building understanding through practical exploration.
What you'll need
Essentials
- two bowls or trays
- dry sand (or dry rice/oats/flour as an alternative)
- water
- spoon or small cup
- towel or cloth for wiping
Nice to have
- apron or old T-shirt
- small toy animal or vehicle
- phone timer
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
- MilestoneExplains own knowledge and understanding, and asks appropriate questions of others.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneAsks Wh-QuestionsMind· 2.3y–3.2y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneBack and forth conversationMind· 2.3y–3y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneUnderstands simple questionsMind· 14mo–2.2y· stretch
- MilestoneSustains back-and-forth conversationMind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneHolds a conversation, jumping from topic to topic.Mind· 22mo–3y· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
- Is able to follow directions (if not intently focused on own choice of activity).Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Focusing attention – still listen or do, but can shift own attention.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Listens to others one to one or in small groups, when conversation interests them.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide practical experiences that encourage children to ask and respond to questions, e.g. explaining pulleys or wet and dry sand.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)