2.5y–4.2y12 minOutdoorFree playFamily time
Word Bank Trail: Indoors to Outdoors
A fast, practical way to make a tiny ‘word bank’ from everyday print and use it in both indoor and outdoor play so your child can label, match, and talk about what marks mean.
What you'll need
Essentials
- paper strips or small cards (cut from scrap paper)
- chunky crayons/markers or a pencil
- tape (to place word cards indoors/outdoors)
- 2–4 everyday items with print (packaging/junk mail/book cover) to look at together
Nice to have
- chalk (if you have it) OR a small bowl of water + a paintbrush/sponge (for ‘water writing’ outside)
- a small bag/envelope (to store the word cards)
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
- “Provide word banks and writing resources for both indoor and outdoor play.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)