2.5y–4.2y10 minFamily timeFree playQuiet time
Grown-Up Feelings Out Loud
A short play-and-practice routine where you models naming a real feeling and using a simple calm-down strategy, then helps your child practise feeling words and gentle regulation tools.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a small soft toy (or doll)
- a cushion or small pillow
Nice to have
- paper and pen (to draw a feelings face)
- a timer (phone is fine)
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
- MilestoneCalms with adult helpHeart· 20mo–3.2y· core
- MilestoneNames own feelingsHeart· 3y–4y· core
- MilestoneExpresses feelings through words or actionsHeart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneAnswers simple open questionsMind· 2.3y–3.3y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneListens to others one to one or in small groups, when conversation interests them.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneExpresses situation-appropriate emotionsHeart· 3y–5y· stretch
- MilestoneStays focused during activityMind· 2.5y–3y· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
- Can express their own feelings such as sad, happy, cross, scared, worried.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Growing ability to distract self when upset, e.g. by engaging in a new play activity.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Can usually tolerate delay when needs are not immediately met, and understands wishes may not always be met.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Can inhibit own actions/behaviours, e.g. stop themselves from doing something they shouldn’t do.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Model how you label and manage your own feelings, e.g. ‘I’m feeling a bit angry and I need to calm down, so I’m going to…’”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)