2.5y–4.2y10 minFree playFamily timeSocial play
Kind Partner Play Moves
A short guided play routine where you model considerate, responsive interaction (listen, notice, reply, and repair) and help your child practise the same skills in a playful way.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2-4 small toys (cars, animals, dolls, blocks, or figures)
Nice to have
- a small ball or rolled-up socks
- a timer or phone timer
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
- MilestoneCooperative peer playHeart· 2.7y–3.8y· core
- MilestoneTakes turns in simple games with adult supportHeart· 20mo–3.3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneInvites others into pretend playHeart· 2.5y–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneBack and forth conversationMind· 2.3y–3y· stretch· Steps 1, 4
- MilestoneSustains back-and-forth conversationMind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneListens to others one to one or in small groups, when conversation interests them.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneCalms with adult helpHeart· 20mo–3.2y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneJoins other children in playHeart· 2.3y–3.2y· stretch
- MilestoneSeeks play with other childrenHeart· 3y–4y· stretch
- MilestoneSeeks out others to share experiences.Heart· 14mo–2.2y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneWaits for needs or turnsHeart· 2.5y–5y· stretch· Step 2
What it practices
- Initiates conversations, attends to and takes account of what others say.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Keeps play going by responding to what others are saying or doing.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Demonstrates friendly behaviour, initiating conversations and forming good relationships with peers and familiar adults.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Initiates play, offering cues to peers to join them.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Model being a considerate and responsive partner in interactions.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)