Planning and sequencing
Explore related activities, guides and research. Use an age collection when you want a starting point for your child.
Planning means choosing steps toward a goal and adjusting them when needed. A play goal can be concrete: deliver a parcel, build a bridge or arrange a route that reaches two destinations. A child can plan by speaking, drawing, pointing or trying pieces in place.
Make the goal visible
Begin with a goal the child can recognize. Offer a small set of materials and ask what the first step could be. A picture or partially built example can reduce the explanation needed. Planning does not require completing a worksheet before touching the materials.
Once a route works, add one change, such as a blocked section. Invite the child to alter the plan rather than treating the first attempt as a failure. Keep speed optional so there is room to consider alternatives.
Share decisions without taking over
An adult can hold a piece, repeat the goal or show a choice while leaving meaningful decisions to the child. Compare starting versions in the challenge-selection guide, then explore Route and Reroute. The activity offers planning practice within play; it is not a measure of a child’s overall ability.
Background research
Read the study context and limitations. These sources are not tests of our products.
