2.5y–4.2y10 minArtFree playFamily time
Wet–Dry–Flaky–Fixed Explorer
Coach the adult to help your child notice how materials change when they get wet or dry, become flaky/crumbly, or become fixed/stuck, using simple cause-and-effect language and hands-on examples.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a small bowl or cup of water
- paper (or cardboard) and a cloth/towel for quick wipe-ups
- tape or a glue stick
Nice to have
- a dry crumbly item (e.g., a cracker, dry leaf, or a bit of chalk)
- crayons/markers (optional)
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
- MilestoneExperiments to create different textures.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneCompares object propertiesMind· 2.8y–5y· core
- MilestoneDescribes object propertiesMind· 2.5y–3y· stretch· Steps 1, 3
- MilestoneUses simple tools and techniques competently and appropriately.Body· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneUnderstands that different media can be combined to create new effects.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneNotices detailed features of objects in their environment.Mind· 22mo–3y· core· Steps 1, 2
- MilestoneShows object-function knowledgeMind· 2.7y–5y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneSelects tools and techniques needed to shape, assemble and join materials they are using.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Encourage children to notice changes in properties of media as they are transformed through becoming wet, dry, flaky or fixed. Talk about what is happening, helping them to think about cause and effect.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)