2.5y–4.2y10 minFamily timeWith other childrenQuiet time
My Turn to Share, Your Turn to Listen
A simple ‘talking turn’ routine where your child practises listening to others, recalling a detail, and taking a short turn to share an experience or describe something they did.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a ‘talking object’ (e.g., spoon, toy, or small cushion)
- one thing to talk about (e.g., a drawing, a toy creation, or a photo)
Nice to have
- phone timer (to keep turns short and predictable)
- a soft toy to practise ‘being the listener’
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· Step 2
- MilestoneTakes turns in simple games with adult supportHeart· 20mo–3.3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneAnswers simple open questionsMind· 2.3y–3.3y· core· Steps 2, 3
- MilestoneTalks About Past and Future EventsMind· 2.5y–3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneSustains back-and-forth conversationMind· 3.3y–5y· core
- MilestoneRetells Recent or Past EventsMind· 2.3y–3.2y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneWaits for needs or turnsHeart· 2.5y–5y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneSings familiar songs or dancesMind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneNames objects from memoryMind· 4y–6y· stretch· Step 2
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
- Listens to stories with increasing attention and recall.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Plan regular short periods when individuals listen to others, such as singing a short song, sharing an experience or describing something they have seen or done.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)