2.5y–4.2y10 minFree playFamily timeQuiet time
Listening Mirror: You Said, I Heard
A short, everyday play-and-chat routine where the adult models active listening (wait, reflect, respond using the child’s words) so your child experiences being heard and practises staying in a shared conversation.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a small set of your child’s toys (e.g., cars, blocks, dolls) or a simple picture book
Nice to have
- a snack item (to create a calm ‘chat moment’)
- paper and a crayon (to draw what your child talked about)
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
- MilestoneListens to others one to one or in small groups, when conversation interests them.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Steps 2, 3
- MilestoneSustains back-and-forth conversationMind· 3.3y–5y· core
- MilestoneBack and forth conversationMind· 2.3y–3y· stretch· Steps 2, 3
- MilestoneLinks statements and sticks to a main theme or intention.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneAnswers simple open questionsMind· 2.3y–3.3y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneReceptive spatial-word understandingMind· 2.7y–3.2y· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
- Listens to others one to one or in small groups, when conversation interests them.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Focusing attention – still listen or do, but can shift own attention.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Is able to follow directions (if not intently focused on own choice of activity).Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Model being a listener by listening to children and taking account of what they say in your responses to them.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)