8mo–20mo10 minSelf-careChore timeFamily time
One, Other, Two: Pair-Finding Talk
A quick dressing-and-tidying routine where you uses meaningful number words (“one”, “other”, “two”) while matching real pairs (mittens, socks, shoes), helping your child connect number words to everyday outcomes.
What you'll need
Essentials
- one pair of real-life items (e.g., mittens, socks, shoes, gloves, cups)
- a small basket/box or a clear floor spot for the items
Nice to have
- a small cloth/towel (for a simple hide-and-find moment)
- an extra pair (two different pairs) for a short sorting step
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
- MilestoneNotices changes in number of objects/images or sounds in group of up to 3.Mind· 0mo–11mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneDevelops an awareness of number names through their enjoyment of action rhymes and songs that relate to their experience of numbers.Mind· 0mo–11mo· core
- MilestoneMatches identical objects and picturesMind· 15mo–2.5y· core· Steps 2, 4
- MilestoneFinds a visibly hidden objectMind· 7mo–14mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneSupported routine participationMind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneMatches parts of objects that fit together, e.g. puts lid on teapot.Mind· 16mo–2.2y· stretch
- MilestoneAnticipates repeated sounds, sights and actions, e.g. when an adult demonstrates an action toy several times.Mind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneReacts to disappearanceMind· 0mo–11mo· core· Step 3
- MilestonePuts object into containerBody· 9mo–12mo· core· Step 4
- MilestoneCooperates with dressingBody· 14mo–18mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneHelps with simple household tasksHeart· 18mo–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneReaches for nearby objectsBody· 4mo–11mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneParticipates in hygiene routinesBody· 15mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 1
What it practices
- Knows that things exist, even when out of sight.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Beginning to organise and categorise objects, e.g. putting all the teddy bears together or teddies and cars in separate piles.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Says some counting words randomly.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Use number words in meaningful contexts, e.g. ‘Here is your other mitten. Now we have two’.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)