2.5y–4.2y12 minReadingDevelopmental playFamily time
Confidence Reads: Easy Words
A confidence-building mini session using very simple, child-friendly texts (or homemade word/sentence strips) so the child can successfully decode and practise developing skills without pressure.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a very simple child text (repetitive picture book, simple labels, or short captions) OR paper and marker to make 3–5 easy word cards
- a comfy spot to sit together
Nice to have
- sticky notes (to make quick word cards)
- 2–5 small items or toys (to match to words, e.g., a toy cat, a hat, a sock)
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
- MilestoneListens and joins inMind· 2.3y–3.3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneCompletes Familiar Story or Rhyme PhrasesMind· 20mo–2.7y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneAnticipates familiar story eventsMind· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneIdentifies named picturesMind· 2y–3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneRecognizes rhymesMind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneProduces rhyming wordsMind· 4y–5y· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
- Recognises rhythm in spoken words.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Joins in with repeated refrains and anticipates key events and phrases in rhymes and stories.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Beginning to be aware of the way stories are structured.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide some simple texts which children can decode to give them confidence and to practise their developing skills.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)