2.5y–4.2y10 minFamily timeSocial playWith other children
My Turn, Your Turn: Two-Way Talk
A simple, inclusive back-and-forth talk routine using familiar objects and turn-taking structure so your child gets equal chances to speak and listen; includes supports for children learning English as an additional language (EAL).
What you'll need
Essentials
- 3 familiar everyday objects (e.g., cup, spoon, toy car) OR 3 pictures from a book/magazine
- a small container or tray (to place the objects on)
Nice to have
- a soft toy (to ‘hold’ for whose turn it is)
- paper and a marker (to draw quick stick-figure cues)
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
- MilestoneBack and forth conversationMind· 2.3y–3y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneSustains back-and-forth conversationMind· 3.3y–5y· core
- MilestoneReceptive spatial-word understandingMind· 2.7y–3.2y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneAnswers simple open questionsMind· 2.3y–3.3y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneTalks about own interests and ideasMind· 4y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneExplains object functionsMind· 2.5y–2.8y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneHolds a conversation, jumping from topic to topic.Mind· 22mo–3y· stretch· Step 1
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
- “Give children opportunities both to speak and to listen, ensuring that the needs of children learning English as an additional language are met, so that they can participate fully.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)