2.5y–4.2y12 minArtFree playFamily time
Write It Your Way: Labels, Notes & Lists
An interest-led mini-activity where you offer your child a few different reasons to write (label, message/sign, list/ticket) and treat any marks as meaningful writing.
What you'll need
Essentials
- paper (any size)
- chunky crayons/markers or a pencil
- small scraps of paper or sticky notes (or torn strips of paper)
- 3–5 small toys or household objects linked to your child's interest (e.g., cars, animals, spoon/cup, dolls)
Nice to have
- tape or a washable glue stick
- stickers (for “stamps” or ticking off)
- an envelope or small bag (for delivering a note)
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 a range of opportunities to write for different purposes about things that interest children.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)