2.5y–4.2y10 minDevelopmental playFamily timeQuiet time
Home Voice Map: How your child Is Understood
A short caregiver conversation-plus-demonstration that helps you learn how your child communicates at home, confirm the preferred language(s), and use that knowledge to support listening, attention, and understanding in everyday interactions.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a quiet moment to talk (in person or on a call) with your child’s parent/caregiver
- one everyday need item to prompt communication (e.g., snack, cup, favourite toy)
Nice to have
- paper and pen (to note key words/phrases and gestures)
- a phone note app (to record agreed key vocabulary; do not record the child unless the family agrees)
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
What it practices
- Listens to others one to one or in small groups, when conversation interests them.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Focusing attention – still listen or do, but can shift own attention.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Is able to follow directions (if not intently focused on own choice of activity).Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Find out from parents how children make themselves understood at home; confirm which their preferred language is.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)