3.3y–5y12 minFree playFamily timeStory time
First, Next, After: Story Play
A small-world play routine where your child builds a simple narrative using sequencing words (first/next/before/after/last) and quantity words (all/most/some/each/every) to make their story clearer.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2–5 small toys or safe household objects to be story characters
- 6–12 small items for counting (blocks, buttons, bottle tops, or toy figures)
- paper scraps (or sticky notes) and a pen
Nice to have
- a small box/bowl (as a ‘story place’ like a cave/house/shop)
- tape (to stick word cards down)
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· Steps 1, 4
- MilestoneIndependent connected storytellingMind· 4y–5y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneAdds a sequenced storylineMind· 4y–5y· core
- MilestoneUses basic time conceptsMind· 4y–5y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneLinks statements and sticks to a main theme or intention.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneCreates pretend small world stories with toysMind· 3y–4y· stretch· Step 1
What it practices
- Extends vocabulary, especially by grouping and naming, exploring the meaning and sounds of new words.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses language to imagine and recreate roles and experiences in play situations.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Links statements and sticks to a main theme or intention.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses talk to organise, sequence and clarify thinking, ideas, feelings and events.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Introduces a storyline or narrative into their play.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Encourage children to develop narratives in their play, using words such as: first, last, next, before, after, all, most, some, each, every.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)