22mo–3y12 minFree playFamily time
Child-Led Chat Trail
A simple play-and-talk routine where you follow your child’s interest, comment on what they’re focused on, and keep the conversation moving without taking over.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 3 small toys or household objects (e.g., cups, cars, blocks, soft toy)
Nice to have
- a small basket or container
- a phone timer
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
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneListens to others one to one or in small groups, when conversation interests them.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneSeeks out others to share experiences.Heart· 14mo–2.2y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneAnswers simple open questionsMind· 2.3y–3.3y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneCombines two wordsMind· 14mo–3y· core
- MilestoneNames familiar referentsMind· 15mo–2.3y· core
- MilestoneUses three- to five-word sentencesMind· 2y–4y· stretch
- MilestoneUnderstands simple questionsMind· 14mo–2.2y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneTwo-channelled attention – can listen and do for short span.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 2
What it practices
- Uses language as a powerful means of widening contacts, sharing feelings, experiences and thoughts.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
- “Follow the child’s lead to talk about what they are interested in.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)