2.5y–4.2y12 minFree playArtFamily time
Listen, Then Explain
A cooperative play routine where you and your child deliberately listen to each other and explain actions during a shared task.
What you'll need
Essentials
- blocks/cups OR paper and crayons
- one small toy (car/figure) to ‘direct’
Nice to have
- a kitchen timer/phone timer
- two different colored crayons
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 3-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneUses talk to organise, sequence and clarify thinking, ideas, feelings and events.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core· Steps 2, 3
- MilestoneListens to others one to one or in small groups, when conversation interests them.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneSustains back-and-forth conversationMind· 3.3y–5y· core· Steps 1, 2, 3
- MilestoneCooperative peer playHeart· 2.7y–3.8y· stretch
- MilestoneTalks about own interests and ideasMind· 4y–5y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneIndependently restrains impulsesHeart· 4y–6y· core· Step 1
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
- Can play in a group, extending and elaborating play ideas, e.g. building up a role-play activity with other children.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Ensure that children and adults make opportunities to listen to each other and explain their actions.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)