3.3y–5y15 minFamily timeFree playStory time
Follow Their Thread
A child-led discussion game where you actively value what your child says, repeat their key words, and let their contributions choose the next question—helping them stay on a theme, grow vocabulary, and build a clear mini-story.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 3–5 conversation starters chosen by your child (objects, toys, or photos)
- paper and a pen/pencil
Nice to have
- sticky notes (optional, for ‘idea bubbles’)
- a soft toy to be the ‘listener’
Movement level: false
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· stretch
- MilestoneLinks statements and sticks to a main theme or intention.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core
- MilestoneSustains back-and-forth conversationMind· 3.3y–5y· stretch
- MilestoneExtends vocabulary, especially by grouping and naming, exploring the meaning and sounds of new words.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneTalks about own interests and ideasMind· 4y–5y· stretch
- MilestoneIndependent connected storytellingMind· 4y–5y· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
- 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
- Extends vocabulary, especially by grouping and naming, exploring the meaning and sounds of new words.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Introduces a storyline or narrative into their play.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses language to imagine and recreate roles and experiences in play situations.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Value children’s contributions and use them to inform and shape the direction of discussions.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)