3.3y–5y12 minFree playSocial playFamily time
In-Character Adventure Talk
A short imaginative role-play where the adult joins your child in character, prompting them to talk about what is happening and act out scenarios with sustained shared attention.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2-5 open-ended household props (e.g., scarf/tea towel as a cape, a spoon as a microphone, a box as a ‘car/boat’, a teddy/doll)
- a small play space (floor or table)
Nice to have
- a bowl and a few safe ‘shop’ items (empty carton, plastic container)
- paper and a crayon (to draw a ‘ticket/sign’ for the role-play after)
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
- MilestoneEnacts a pretend roleMind· 3y–5y· core· Steps 1, 2, 4
- MilestoneUses talk to organise, sequence and clarify thinking, ideas, feelings and events.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core· Steps 3, 4
- MilestoneSustains back-and-forth conversationMind· 3.3y–5y· core
- MilestoneAdds a sequenced storylineMind· 4y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestonePlans a pretend scenarioMind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneRetells or summarizes story contentMind· 4y–5y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneFollows instructions with several steps or actionsMind· 3.3y–4y· stretch
What it practices
- Listens and responds to ideas expressed by others in conversation or discussion.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Responds to instructions involving a two-part sequence.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Children follow instructions involving several ideas or actions. They answer ‘how’ and ‘why’ questions about their experiences and in response to stories or events.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide for, initiate and join in imaginative play and role-play, encouraging children to talk about what is happening and to act out the scenarios in character.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)