8mo–20mo10 minFree playMealtimeReading
My Special Words Basket
A short choice-and-echo routine that helps you notice and reinforce your child's personal words for familiar people/objects across everyday moments.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2 very familiar items (e.g., favourite toy, cup, comforter)
- a small basket/bag (or just the floor in front of you)
Nice to have
- paper and pen (or notes app)
- a third familiar item for later
- a second caregiver to share the words with
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
- MilestoneCreates personal words as they begin to develop language.Mind· 8mo–20mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneUses single meaningful wordsMind· 8mo–20mo· core
- MilestoneNames familiar referentsMind· 15mo–2.3y· stretch
- MilestoneCopies heard wordsMind· 8mo–20mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneCopies sounds or wordsMind· 10mo–20mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneUnderstands simple questionsMind· 14mo–2.2y· core· Step 1
What it practices
- Creates personal words as they begin to develop language.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Frequently imitates words and sounds.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses pointing with eye gaze to make requests, and to share an interest.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