Choose one of 6 simple activities. Each includes materials, a way to begin and an easier or safer adaptation. Repeat the one your child enjoys.
Choose by the materials you have
| Try this | Time and materials |
|---|---|
| The sock matching shop | 5–10 minutes · clean adult socks |
| A road for a rolling ball | 10 minutes · large soft ball and cardboard |
| A toy picnic | 10 minutes · large toy dishes and washable soft toys |
| Follow the slow leader | 5 minutes · a clear floor |
| Big marks, little story | 10 minutes · large paper and age-rated chunky crayons |
| What can we hear? | 3–5 minutes · a window or familiar outdoor spot |
Choose one small moment
Look for a time when your child is comfortable, rather than hungry or exhausted. The suggested times are flexible invitations, not attention-span targets. Stop when the game no longer feels enjoyable.
Keep an adult nearby. Check materials for loose pieces and follow age labels. Offer seated or simpler versions so the game fits your child.
1. The sock matching shop
Lay out three different pairs of socks. Invite your child to find a partner for one sock, then open a pretend shop where they can “buy” a pair. Talk about colour and size while following their story.
Make it work for your child
Start with two pairs. There is no need to correct every mismatch; describe what you notice.
2. A road for a rolling ball
Lay a flat strip of cardboard on the floor as a road. Roll the ball along it and change the direction. Invite your child to choose where the road goes next.
Make it work for your child
Keep everything at floor level. Avoid raised ramps, stairs and small vehicles with detachable parts.
3. A toy picnic
Set a place for a bear, ask what it might like and take turns serving imaginary food. Introduce a small story: the bear feels tired or wants a friend beside it.
Make it work for your child
Use pretend food rather than small real snacks. A cloth and two large bowls are enough.
4. Follow the slow leader
Take turns moving slowly, stretching arms or tapping knees. Let your child lead. Give space between movements so they can work out what to try.
Make it work for your child
Offer seated versions. Clear slippery mats and avoid jumping from furniture.
5. Big marks, little story
Put paper on a stable surface. Make a line and ask where it goes. Your child may draw beside you, cover your line or tell a story about it.
Make it work for your child
Stay close with art materials. Put crayons away if they are being mouthed or breaking into small pieces.
6. What can we hear?
Pause together and listen. Name one sound, then wait for another. You might hear a bird, footsteps or a bus. Repeat a sound with your voice if your child enjoys it.
Make it work for your child
Keep away from open windows, traffic and unfamiliar animals. Looking and listening can be a complete activity.
A gentle weekly play plan
- Monday: try the sock matching shop, or repeat yesterday’s favourite.
- Tuesday: try a road for a rolling ball, or repeat yesterday’s favourite.
- Wednesday: try a toy picnic, or repeat yesterday’s favourite.
- Thursday: try follow the slow leader, or repeat yesterday’s favourite.
- Friday: try big marks, little story, or repeat yesterday’s favourite.
Leave the weekend open for familiar play. Repetition is welcome; there is no need to finish all the activities. Keep a note of what your child returns to and offer that again.
Further reading: UNICEF on learning through play ↗
If play does not go to plan
Make the invitation smaller before making it more complicated. Put out one material, show one action and wait. If your child changes the game, follow their idea within safe limits.
Stop if the activity becomes frustrating or the materials are being used unsafely. Return to a familiar song or book, or take a break. No particular activity is required for healthy development.