16mo–2.2y8 minMusicFamily timeSocial play
Hello Name Song Round
A short, high-repetition name game using songs and passing/pointing to help your child learn and practise names in a warm, playful way.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2-5 'people' to name (family members present, or soft toys/dolls with simple names)
- a soft ball or small soft toy (for passing/rolling)
Nice to have
- a few printed or phone photos of familiar people
- a simple drum substitute (pot and wooden spoon)
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
- MilestoneOrients toward named objectMind· 10mo–18mo· core· Step 1
- MilestonePoints to named objectMind· 2y–2.4y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneParticipates in songs and rhymesMind· 14mo–2.3y· core
- MilestoneUnderstands simple spoken instructionsMind· 14mo–18mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneShows interest in play with sounds, songs and rhymes.Mind· 16mo–2.2y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneIdentifies named picturesMind· 2y–3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneCompletes Familiar Story or Rhyme PhrasesMind· 20mo–2.7y· core· Step 2
What it practices
- Is curious about people and shows interest in stories about themselves and their family.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Enjoys pictures and stories about themselves, their families and other people.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Has a sense of own immediate family and relations.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Beginning to have their own friends.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Help children to learn each other’s names, e.g. through songs and rhymes.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)