Make signs to use in play in the home corner, block areas or sandpit. These could be road signs, menus or the names of shops.

Place listed items on a table and encourage families to make a sign. It’s helpful for younger children to have examples of signs such as stop/go or construction signs that they can then use in their play. One of the easiest signs to make is one using a small paper plate with a pop stick taped to the back to hold.

Ways to develop numeracy through play

• Talk about the different shapes of signs.
• Can you group signs that are the same?
• Count how many signs.
• Are there numbers on the signs? What do the numbers mean?
• Direction and positional signs – left/right; above/below.
• Speed fast/slow.

Ways to develop literacy through play

• Read signs and symbols.
• Talk about opposites.
• Make a bike track: use stop/go; fast/slow signs.
• Musical instruments: hold up signs stop/go; fast/slow; loud/soft.
• Construction play: signs in the block area or sandpit.
• Treasure hunt: follow directions on signs.
• Obstacle course: signs for under the table/over the cushions.
• Small signs with the trains or cars.
• Dramatic play: signs for shops/opening hours/menus/closed.
• Dance: freeze when you see the stop sign.
• Use signs to label areas such as toilets; writing corner; reading corner etc.

• Take photos of signs – make snap, memory or bingo cards.
• Make a book of signs.
• Take children on a walk outside and talk about where you are going – predict what signs you might see on the way.

Play prompts:

Use words such as stop, go, left right, crossing, directions, information and advertising.

Ask questions, like:

• Why do we have signs?
• What sort of sign shall we make?
• Where can we use our sign?

Parents or carers can:

• Comment on what their children are doing (say what they see).
• Talk in their home language.
• Use literacy and numeracy words (see words to use section above).
• Work with their child to make a sign.
• Engage their child in play using signs.

You can help families by:

• Modelling what you want them to do.
• Talking to them about the focus of the activity and what children might be learning.
• Writing up words that go with the activity.
• Making suggestions on what families can do at home.

Great Start activities are for parents and carers to do with their children.

• What does that say?
• Number walk