16mo–2.2y12 minFamily timeSelf-careQuiet time
My Words Map: Favourite Things
A practical, parent-led activity to notice and record the special words your child uses for important things (including home-language words), then gently extend them with clear adult models that can be shared with other caregivers.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 3 to 6 favourite or important items (comfort blanket, cup, shoes, toy, snack container)
- paper and pen (or notes app on your phone)
Nice to have
- a small photo of a family member
- a basket to gather items
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· Steps 1, 3
- MilestoneNames familiar referentsMind· 15mo–2.3y· core
- MilestoneUses single meaningful wordsMind· 8mo–20mo· core
- MilestoneBeginning to talk about people and things that are not present.Mind· 16mo–2.2y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneUnderstands simple questionsMind· 14mo–2.2y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneSelects or finds named objectMind· 10mo–19mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneCombines two wordsMind· 14mo–3y· stretch
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Find out from parents the words that children use for things which are important to them, such as ‘bankie’ for their comfort blanket, remembering to extend this question to home languages.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)