2.5y–4.2y8 minFamily timeChore timeFree play
Name-First: Listen and Do Mini-Missions
A quick ‘name-first’ listening game that helps your child orient to the adult’s voice before a simple instruction or question, building follow-through during everyday moments.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 3–6 everyday objects (e.g., spoon, cup, sock, small toy, paper)
Nice to have
- a small basket/box (for ‘missions’ to put things in)
- a timer (to keep turns short)
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
- MilestoneAdjusts to stated expectationsHeart· 2.5y–3.7y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneFollows ordered multi-step directionsMind· 4y–5.6y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneAnswers simple open questionsMind· 2.3y–3.3y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneReceptive spatial-word understandingMind· 2.7y–3.2y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneFollows instructions with several steps or actionsMind· 3.3y–4y· core
What it practices
- Is able to follow directions (if not intently focused on own choice of activity).Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Focusing attention – still listen or do, but can shift own attention.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Listens to others one to one or in small groups, when conversation interests them.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “For those children who find it difficult to ‘listen and do’, say their name before giving an instruction or asking a question.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)