16mo–2.2y10 minFree playFamily timeChore time
Gentle Echo Words
Support your child's speech by warmly repeating their words the correct way (without saying they’re wrong), then giving them another chance to try—building confidence, questions, and talk about not-here things.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 3 to 6 everyday objects or toys (cup, spoon, car, ball, teddy)
- a small basket or clear space to place items
Nice to have
- a small mirror (optional)
- 2 to 3 family photos (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
- MilestoneCopies heard wordsMind· 8mo–20mo· core· Steps 1, 2
- MilestoneCopies sounds or wordsMind· 10mo–20mo· core· Steps 1, 2
- MilestoneBeginning to talk about people and things that are not present.Mind· 16mo–2.2y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneBeginning to ask simple questions.Mind· 2.1y–4.2y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneCombines two wordsMind· 14mo–3y· core
- MilestoneNames familiar referentsMind· 15mo–2.3y· core
- MilestoneUses single meaningful wordsMind· 8mo–20mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneUses three- to five-word sentencesMind· 2y–4y· stretch
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Show children how to pronounce or use words by responding and repeating what they say in the correct way, rather than saying they are wrong.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)