2.5y–4.2y12 minReadingStory timeMusic
Hello Languages Storytime
A short story-and-rhyme session that introduces 2–3 languages (or language varieties) through greetings and repeated refrains, supporting listening, attention, and respectful curiosity.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a favourite picture book (or any short story with pictures)
- a small soft toy (to be the “traveller” character)
Nice to have
- a phone to play a short family voice note (optional, not necessary)
- paper and crayons (to draw a simple “hello” card)
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
- MilestoneListens and joins inMind· 2.3y–3.3y· core
- MilestoneExtends vocabulary, especially by grouping and naming, exploring the meaning and sounds of new words.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneCompletes Familiar Story or Rhyme PhrasesMind· 20mo–2.7y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneReceptive opposite understandingMind· 4y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneAnticipates familiar story eventsMind· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneSustains back-and-forth conversationMind· 3.3y–5y· stretch
What it practices
- Listens to others one to one or in small groups, when conversation interests them.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Listens to stories with increasing attention and recall.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Joins in with repeated refrains and anticipates key events and phrases in rhymes and stories.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Focusing attention – still listen or do, but can shift own attention.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Share rhymes, books and stories from many cultures, sometimes using languages other than English, particularly where children are learning English as an additional language. Children then all hear a range of languages and recognise the skill needed to speak more than one.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)