22mo–3y8 minSocial playQuiet timeFamily time
Cosy Chat Spaces
Create a snug den and use it to help your child practise friendly invitations, shared attention, and simple back-and-forth chat with an adult or a 'chat buddy'.
What you'll need
Essentials
- blanket or sheet
- 2-3 cushions or pillows
- 1-2 favourite small toys or a picture book
Nice to have
- a chair or small table edge to drape the blanket over
- a soft toy to be the 'chat buddy'
- a small box (to make a 'door' or 'mail slot')
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
- MilestoneBack and forth conversationMind· 2.3y–3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneDemonstrates friendly behaviour, initiating conversations and forming good relationships with peers and familiar adults.Heart· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Steps 2, 3, 4
- MilestoneSeeks out others to share experiences.Heart· 14mo–2.2y· core· Steps 2, 4
- MilestoneListens to others one to one or in small groups, when conversation interests them.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneHolds a conversation, jumping from topic to topic.Mind· 22mo–3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneSeeks play with other childrenHeart· 3y–4y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneJoins other children in playHeart· 2.3y–3.2y· core
- MilestoneEngages reciprocally with peersHeart· 10mo–22mo· stretch
- MilestoneHelps with simple household tasksHeart· 18mo–3y· stretch· Step 1
What it practices
- Interested in others’ play and starting to join in.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Seeks out others to share experiences.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Shows affection and concern for people who are special to them.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- May form a special friendship with another child.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Create areas in which children can sit and chat with friends, such as a snug den and cosy spaces.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)