2.5y–4.2y10 minStory timeFree playFamily time
Gesture + Words Connection Play
A supportive interaction for children learning English as an additional language, using gestures, home language, and simple English to help your child join in and communicate confidently.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 3-5 familiar household objects (spoon, cup, sock, toy car, ball)
- a favorite book OR family photos (optional alternative)
Nice to have
- paper and pen to note key words
- a soft toy/puppet for role-play
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 3-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
What it practices
- Demonstrates friendly behaviour, initiating conversations and forming good relationships with peers and familiar adults.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Initiates conversations, attends to and takes account of what others say.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Initiates play, offering cues to peers to join them.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Be aware of and respond to particular needs of children who are learning English as an additional language.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)