3.3y–5y10 minFamily timeQuiet timeWith other children
Hear Me Out Time
A short, structured ‘listening routine’ where you listen respectfully and kindly to your child, explain why listening matters, and practise what to do when your child raises an injustice.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a small ‘talking object’ (spoon, soft toy, sock—anything safe)
- a comfy spot to sit together
Nice to have
- paper and pen to draw a simple ‘fair plan’
- a timer/phone (optional)
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 3-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneListens to others one to one or in small groups, when conversation interests them.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneUses talk to organise, sequence and clarify thinking, ideas, feelings and events.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core· Steps 2, 3
- MilestoneNegotiates peer conflictsHeart· 4y–5y· core
- MilestoneNames own feelingsHeart· 3y–4y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneWaits for needs or turnsHeart· 2.5y–5y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneAdjusts to stated expectationsHeart· 2.5y–3.7y· stretch
- MilestoneIndependently restrains impulsesHeart· 4y–6y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneTalks about own interests and ideasMind· 4y–5y· core· Steps 2, 3
What it practices
- Beginning to be able to negotiate and solve problems without aggression, e.g. when someone has taken their toy.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Understands that own actions affect other people, for example, becomes upset or tries to comfort another child when they realise they have upset them.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Aware of the boundaries set, and of behavioural expectations in the setting.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Make time to listen to children respectfully and kindly, and explain to all the children why this is important. Children will then know that they will be listened to when they raise injustices.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)