0mo–11mo12 minFamily timeMealtimeQuiet time
Language Pride: Everyday Words
A simple routine to name everyday moments in all your family’s languages (spoken and written), while staying responsive to your child’s cues and encouraging early vocal turn-taking.
What you'll need
Essentials
- paper and pen (or phone notes app)
- a calm routine moment with your child (cuddle/feeding/play)
Nice to have
- sticky note or small card (for an adult ‘word card’)
- a photo of a family member on your phone (to anchor a name word)
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
- MilestoneUnderstands familiar contextual cuesMind· 0mo–11mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneTakes turns making soundsHeart· 4mo–8mo· core
- MilestoneVocalizes back during interactionHeart· 2mo–8mo· core
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneRaises arms to be picked upHeart· 6mo–9mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneGestures wants or needsMind· 10mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneProduces reduplicated babbleMind· 5mo–10mo· stretch
What it practices
- Communicates needs and feelings in a variety of ways including crying, gurgling, babbling and squealing.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Makes own sounds in response when talked to by familiar adults.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Practises and gradually develops speech sounds (babbling) to communicate with adults; says sounds like ‘baba, nono, gogo’.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Lifts arms in anticipation of being picked up.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Recognise and equally value all languages spoken and written by parents, staff and children.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)