2.5y–4.2y12 minSocial playFamily timeFree play
Kind Words & Repair Coach
A short, playful routine to challenge unkind words/actions calmly and coach your child to repair and reconnect with peers or adults.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2-4 small toys for role-play (figures, animals, cars, dolls)
- a piece of paper and pen/pencil
Nice to have
- a soft toy/puppet to act out scenarios
- a calm corner (cushion/blanket) for reset moments
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
- MilestoneNegotiates peer conflictsHeart· 4y–5y· core
- MilestoneUnderstands that own actions affect other people, for example, becomes upset or tries to comfort another child when they realise they have upset them.Heart· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneAdjusts to stated expectationsHeart· 2.5y–3.7y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneCooperative peer playHeart· 2.7y–3.8y· stretch
- MilestoneStops when instructedHeart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneTakes turns in simple games with adult supportHeart· 20mo–3.3y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneSupported sharingHeart· 22mo–3y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneBack and forth conversationMind· 2.3y–3y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneUses three- to five-word sentencesMind· 2y–4y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneCombines two wordsMind· 14mo–3y· stretch· Step 2
What it practices
- Demonstrates friendly behaviour, initiating conversations and forming good relationships with peers and familiar adults.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- 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
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Support children in developing positive relationships by challenging negative comments and actions towards either peers or adults.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)