16mo–2.2y8 minMusicSocial playFamily time
Name Songs for Friends
A short, warm name-and-greeting routine using simple songs and rhymes to help your child notice, remember, and say other children’s names in a playful, low-pressure way.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a small soft toy (to pass or hold as a 'turn' object)
Nice to have
- 2–6 family photos (or printed faces) for a simple 'name book'
- a scarf or small blanket for peekaboo name games
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
- MilestoneParticipates in songs and rhymesMind· 14mo–2.3y· core
- MilestoneUses single meaningful wordsMind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneTakes turns in simple games with adult supportHeart· 20mo–3.3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneCompletes Familiar Story or Rhyme PhrasesMind· 20mo–2.7y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneOrients toward named objectMind· 10mo–18mo· core· Steps 1, 2, 4
- MilestoneSelects or finds named objectMind· 10mo–19mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneIdentifies named picturesMind· 2y–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestonePoints to named objectMind· 2y–2.4y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneEngages reciprocally with peersHeart· 10mo–22mo· stretch
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Help children to learn each other’s names, e.g. through songs and rhymes.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)