2.5y–4.2y9 minSocial playFree playFamily time
Copycat or Explain?
A short, playful routine that helps you notice when your child is copying actions to ‘fit in’ and provides prompts to check and build true understanding.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 3 cups or bowls
- a small toy (car/figure/block)
- a cloth or tea towel
Nice to have
- paper and marker (to draw simple step pictures)
- a second toy (for turn-taking)
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
- MilestoneExplains own knowledge and understanding, and asks appropriate questions of others.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Steps 2, 4
- MilestoneUses talk to organise, sequence and clarify thinking, ideas, feelings and events.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneImitates multi step actionsMind· 2.8y–3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneFollows instructions with several steps or actionsMind· 3.3y–4y· stretch
- MilestoneShows confidence in asking adults for help.Heart· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneExplains object functionsMind· 2.5y–2.8y· core
What it practices
- Is able to follow directions (if not intently focused on own choice of activity).Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Focusing attention – still listen or do, but can shift own attention.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Listens to others one to one or in small groups, when conversation interests them.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Be aware that some children may watch another child in order to know what to do, rather than understanding it themselves.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)