Colour Sorting Trays
Children sort buttons, bricks, or counters by colour into labelled bowls.
Key stageEYFS
Duration10 mins
Materials
- • Mixed counters
- • Sorting bowls
10 mins
EYFS Activity Ideas
Practical EYFS activity ideas for continuous provision, short group sessions, and sensory play in early years settings.
EYFSClassroom GamesPrep: Low10-20 mins
Need a full week of classroom ideas?
Use the Teacher Weekly Planner to build a Monday–Friday plan with games, printables, and backup activities.
Use the Teacher Weekly PlannerQuick facts
Key stagesEYFS
Prep timeLow
Lesson time10-20 mins
Printable supportAvailable
Resource typeClassroom Games
Classroom ideas
Activities to try
Sensory Rice Tray
Hide small objects in a rice tray for children to find and name.
Key stageEYFS
Duration15 mins
Materials
- • Rice tray
- • Small toys
- • Scoops
15 mins
Mess-Free Craft Stations
Stickers, paper plates, and crayons at a low-mess table.
Key stageEYFS
Duration15 mins
Materials
- • Paper plates
- • Stickers
- • Crayons
15 mins
Planning tips
Make the week easier
Model vocabulary while children play.
Keep activities under 20 minutes for younger children.
Photograph setups to rebuild quickly next week.
Linked activities
Related at-home activities you can adapt for the classroom.
Toddler Mess-Free Crafts
Low-stress craft ideas using sealed bags, stickers, tape, and chunky shapes.
Age2-4
Duration15-30m
CostLow Cost
Ages 2–415–30 minsLow-costindoorRainy day
Calm Colour Sorting
Sort household objects by colour for a quiet, sensory-friendly activity.
Age2-6
Duration10-25m
CostFree
Ages 2–610–25 minsFreeindoorRainy day
Sensory Rice Tray
A supervised sensory tray for scooping, pouring, hiding, and finding.
Age3-7
Duration15-35m
CostLow Cost
Ages 3–715–35 minsLow-costindoorRainy day
Linked printables
Printable classroom resources linked to this guide.
Colouring Page
Ages 3–8Free5 pages
Dinosaur Colouring Pack
Friendly dinosaur colouring pages for preschool and primary children — ideal for quiet time, topics, and party tables.
Age3-8
Pages5
Reward Chart
Ages 3–10Free2 pages
Reward Chart for Kids
A simple weekly reward chart for routines, effort, and positive habits.
Age3-10
Pages2
Routine Chart
Ages 3–8Free3 pages
Morning Routine Chart
A visual routine chart for getting ready on school mornings.
Age3-8
Pages3
EYFS activity planning
Short, repeatable activities work best in EYFS. Focus on language, fine motor skills, and turn-taking with resources you already have in the classroom.
FAQs
Common questions
Are these suitable for childminders?
Yes. These ideas work in nurseries, reception classes, and home-based EYFS settings.
Explore more
Adaptation note
Adapt each activity based on class size, age, ability, available space, school policy, and individual needs.
Related resources
More teacher resources
