22mo–3y10 minFree playChore timeFamily time
Narrate-and-Do Together
A guided ‘running commentary’ routine that helps your child tune in to language about actions and simple steps during everyday play (pouring, stacking, tidying).
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2 cups or bowls
- a spoon
- dry pourable item (e.g., rice, pasta, oats) OR water in the sink/bath
Nice to have
- a small towel
- 3–5 safe items to put in a container (blocks, socks, soft toys)
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
- MilestoneFollows linked routine actionsMind· 18mo–2.3y· core
- MilestoneMatches words in routinesMind· 15mo–2y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneListens to others one to one or in small groups, when conversation interests them.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneReceptive spatial-word understandingMind· 2.7y–3.2y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneUnderstands simple questionsMind· 14mo–2.2y· stretch
- MilestoneHelps with simple household tasksHeart· 18mo–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneGestures wants or needsMind· 10mo–2.3y· core· Step 3
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Use talk to describe what children are doing by providing a running commentary, e.g. ‘Oh, I can see what you are doing. You have to put the milk in the cup first.’”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)