22mo–3y12 minMealtimeFree playOutdoor
Little Sentences, Big Messages
A quick routine game that prompts your child to use short, meaningful sentences (3–4+ words) to request, comment, and share what’s happening during everyday moments.
What you'll need
Essentials
- one motivating item (snack, stickers, bubbles, or favourite toy)
- a small container/bag so you can pause before giving the item
Nice to have
- two small toys for pretend play (e.g., car + doll)
- a window/doorstep spot for a quick comment moment
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
What it practices
- Uses simple sentences (e.g.’ Mummy gonna work.’)Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses gestures, sometimes with limited talk, e.g. reaches toward toy, saying ‘I have it’.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Beginning to use word endings (e.g. going, cats).Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE) — construct-derived activity authored from enriched DM2012 construct