2.5y–4.2y8 minFree playDevelopmental playFamily time
Build & Explain: “What’s It For?”
A reflective talk routine where the adult helps your child explain what they made or did, describe parts and purposes, and listen to a recap—building understanding through meaningful questions.
What you'll need
Essentials
- whatever your child is already doing (e.g., blocks, drawing, playdough, toy vehicles)
- a calm moment where you can sit close and watch
Nice to have
- paper and crayon (to draw a quick ‘plan’ together)
- phone camera (to take one photo for later retelling)
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
- MilestoneUses talk to organise, sequence and clarify thinking, ideas, feelings and events.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneExplains object functionsMind· 2.5y–2.8y· core
- MilestoneSustains back-and-forth conversationMind· 3.3y–5y· stretch
- MilestoneRetells Recent or Past EventsMind· 2.3y–3.2y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneTalks About Past and Future EventsMind· 2.5y–3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneListens to others one to one or in small groups, when conversation interests them.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Step 4
What it practices
- Listens to others one to one or in small groups, when conversation interests them.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Focusing attention – still listen or do, but can shift own attention.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Is able to follow directions (if not intently focused on own choice of activity).Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Talk to children about what they have been doing and help them to reflect upon and explain events, e.g. “You told me this model was going to be a tractor. What’s this lever for?””
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)