# 04 · Make a helpful town

**Draft:** Local Queensland early childhood educator review pending.

**Rights:** © NeuroForgeIO Pty Ltd 2026. CC BY 4.0 — https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (original work; note changes if adapted).

**About 15–20 minutes.** **Planning link:** QKLG 2024 Connectedness; EYLF
V2.0 Outcome 2. The town is imaginary and can be designed for many people.
[Framework sources](../SOURCE_NOTES.md).

**Gather:** Reused boxes, a paper strip for a path, a few large blocks and
one toy figure or object to represent a visitor. Keep packaging staples and
sharp edges out of reach.

**Invite:** “Our visitor wants to get to a place they like. What should this
town have?” The child can build a park, quiet room, library, shop, ramp, shady
spot or a completely new place. Let them pick where to start and whose ideas
to include.

**Say:** “How will the visitor get there?” “What would make that easier for
someone else?” “What if a person wants a quiet way through?” Keep questions
open; don't turn the activity into a quiz about real neighbourhoods.

**Notice, without scoring:** What needs did the child notice or invent? Did
they test a route, change it or include an idea from someone else? Record
the design decision, not whether the town looks realistic.

**Change the route:** A child interested in transport can design stops; an
animal lover can create safe paths for toy animals. A child may direct
another person to place boxes, use a finger to trace a route, or describe it
with AAC or a home language. Use a small tabletop version for limited space
or mobility. Avoid asking children to disclose real addresses or family
circumstances.

**Screen:** None needed. Optional: an adult can photograph the model and let
the child draw a route over the image locally; do not post the photo.