Day134 · Pick a part. Make a start.

Prepare

Adult approves the specific material, joining method, tools, surface and access arrangement. Loose placement or drawing is a full available route; never require scissors, glue, fabric, blocks, standing or a purchase.

Invite and capture first

Put the chosen idea nearby. Ask: “Which bit will you make first? What could you use?” Let the child compare actual available materials by seeing, touching if wanted or receiving an accurate adult description.

Teach / model

Demonstrate the exact locally approved action on separate adult material only after the child’s step plan is captured. Name the tool/action and relevant local limit plainly; do not teach generic “be safe” without an actual procedure.

Make or direct

Child communicates a small sequence, then performs an actual locally approved action, directs an adult or updates a plan. Adult pauses if the setup is unsuitable. Keep each actor and type of help clear.

Try / choose

Ask: “What happened when you used that material?” Record an actual bend, move, join or mark if it happened. Plan-only children can explain a possible next step without a fabricated physical result.

Save and notice

Save steps, material/action selection, actual child action, adult action/help and stop/change if needed. No speed or fine-motor skill score.

Three ways to join in

Short start: child directs one loose part to a chosen position; adult notes a plan/direction and their own placement.

Hands-on start: choose one pre-approved joining action and make a small actual join; adult supervises according to local procedure.

Explore more: use a different available material for the same part, comparing actual observed behaviour without a strength or weather claim.