22mo–3y12 minFree playChore timeFamily time
New Words, Play Sparks
Introduce 3 playful new words during a simple pretend game so your child can hear them, see them, and try them out in action.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 3 household objects (e.g., spoon, cup, sock)
- a small bag or container
Nice to have
- a soft toy to be the ‘customer’
- a towel or scarf for pretend play
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
- MilestoneDescribes object propertiesMind· 2.5y–3y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneExpressive spatial descriptionMind· 2.5y–3y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneUnderstands simple questionsMind· 14mo–2.2y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneSimple pretend playMind· 14mo–2.2y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneCombines two wordsMind· 14mo–3y· stretch
- MilestoneUses symbolic substitution (objects and words) in playMind· 20mo–3y· stretch
- MilestoneNames familiar referentsMind· 15mo–2.3y· core
- MilestonePoints to named objectMind· 2y–2.4y· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
- Learns new words very rapidly and is able to use them in communicating.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses language as a powerful means of widening contacts, sharing feelings, experiences and thoughts.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses a variety of questions (e.g. what, where, who).Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Introduce new words in the context of play and activities.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)