22mo–3y7 minMusicFamily time
Join-In Action Song
A predictable, inviting action routine where you creates clear opportunities for your child to join in, take a role, and experience belonging through shared actions and pauses.
What you'll need
Essentials
- your voice (a familiar rhyme or simple chant)
Nice to have
- scarf or tea towel to wave
- 2 soft toys as 'extra players'
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
- MilestoneJoins other children in playHeart· 2.3y–3.2y· core
- MilestoneEngages reciprocally with peersHeart· 10mo–22mo· stretch
- MilestoneParticipates in songs and rhymesMind· 14mo–2.3y· stretch· Steps 1, 2
- MilestoneCopies movements to musicBody· 18mo–3.3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneSeeks out others to share experiences.Heart· 14mo–2.2y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneSeeks play with other childrenHeart· 3y–4y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneWaits for needs or turnsHeart· 2.5y–5y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneGestures wants or needsMind· 10mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneShows interest in play with sounds, songs and rhymes.Mind· 16mo–2.2y· stretch· Step 2
What it practices
- Interested in others’ play and starting to join in.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Seeks out others to share experiences.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Shows affection and concern for people who are special to them.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- May form a special friendship with another child.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Ensure that children have opportunities to join in.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)