16mo–2.2y10 minReadingStory timeQuiet time
Flap-and-Find Book Play
An interactive shared-reading routine built around picture books with flaps/hidden words (or any sturdy picture book) plus simple story props. Designed for 16–26 months; authored turns only (opening/closing are runtime-rendered). Note: `scaffolds_constructs` is empty because no construct IDs were provided for this sub-window.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a sturdy picture book (board book or picture book)
Nice to have
- a flap book or 'hidden picture' book (if you have one)
- a small bag or tote (for a simple story sack)
- 1–3 small household objects or toys that match the book (e.g., spoon, sock, teddy)
- a phone or CD player for any accompanying audio you already own (optional)
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
- MilestoneAttends to book contentMind· 18mo–2.6y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneLooks at books with a familiar personMind· 10mo–2y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneAttends to Shared Book ReadingMind· 18mo–2.7y· stretch· Steps 1, 2
- MilestonePoints and gazes to share attentionHeart· 8mo–2y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneShows interest in toys with buttons, flaps and simple mechanisms and beginning to learn to operate them.Mind· 8mo–20mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneMatches identical objects and picturesMind· 15mo–2.5y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneIndependent page turningBody· 10mo–22mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneHas some favourite stories, rhymes, songs, poems or jingles.Mind· 16mo–2.2y· stretch· Step 4
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide picture books, books with flaps or hidden words, books with accompanying CDs and story sacks.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)