22mo–3y12 minFamily timeSocial play
Any-Way Messages
A supportive routine for children learning English as an additional language: you welcome gestures and home language, then gently model English alongside what your child communicates.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2 everyday items (e.g., cup, spoon, soft toy, ball)
Nice to have
- a small snack
- a simple picture book
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneGestures wants or needsMind· 10mo–2.3y· core
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneCoordinates gesture with another signalMind· 9mo–2.5y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneBack and forth conversationMind· 2.3y–3y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneUnderstands simple questionsMind· 14mo–2.2y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneHolds a conversation, jumping from topic to topic.Mind· 22mo–3y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneCombines two wordsMind· 14mo–3y· stretch
- MilestoneUses three- to five-word sentencesMind· 2y–4y· stretch
What it practices
- Uses gestures, sometimes with limited talk, e.g. reaches toward toy, saying ‘I have it’.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Holds a conversation, jumping from topic to topic.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Learns new words very rapidly and is able to use them in communicating.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “For children learning English as an additional language, value non-verbal communications and those offered in home languages.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)