2.5y–4.2y12 minWith other childrenSocial playDevelopmental play
Life Links: Share and Listen Circle
A simple ‘share and listen’ routine that helps your child talk about experiences from different parts of their life and listen to others, supporting interest in familiar people, significant events, and respectful noticing of similarities and differences.
What you'll need
Essentials
- one small household item to use as a 'talking object' (e.g., spoon, soft toy)
- 2-3 small items or photos that represent parts of your child's life (e.g., lunchbox, bus ticket, leaf from park, photo of family)
- paper and pencil/crayon
Nice to have
- a simple timer (phone)
- sticky notes
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
- MilestoneConfident to talk to other children when playing, and will communicate freely about own home and community.Heart· 2.5y–4.2y· core
- MilestoneListens to others one to one or in small groups, when conversation interests them.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch
- MilestoneKnows some of the things that make them unique, and can talk about some of the similarities and differences in relation to friends or family.Heart· 2.5y–4.2y· core
- MilestoneRetells Recent or Past EventsMind· 2.3y–3.2y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneTakes turns in simple games with adult supportHeart· 20mo–3.3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneTalks About Past and Future EventsMind· 2.5y–3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneWaits for needs or turnsHeart· 2.5y–5y· core· Step 1
What it practices
- Shows interest in the lives of people who are familiar to them.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Remembers and talks about significant events in their own experience.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Knows some of the things that make them unique, and can talk about some of the similarities and differences in relation to friends or family.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Recognises and describes special times or events for family or friends.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide activities and opportunities for children to share experiences and knowledge from different parts of their lives with each other.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)