8mo–20mo10 minMealtimeSelf-careBath time
One-Word Find It
A routine-based listening game where you say one familiar word (object/person) in context without pointing, and your child shows understanding by looking, reaching, or bringing it.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2–3 very familiar items from one routine (e.g., cup, spoon, bib; or towel, duck, cup; or shoe, sock)
- a calm moment with minimal background noise
Nice to have
- a small basket/box to hold the items
- two versions of one item (e.g., two different cups)
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneUnderstands familiar single wordsMind· 7mo–14mo· core
- MilestoneSelects or finds named objectMind· 10mo–19mo· core
- MilestoneIdentifies named objectsMind· 13mo–2.1y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneMatches words in routinesMind· 15mo–2y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneOrients toward named objectMind· 10mo–18mo· core· Steps 1, 3
- MilestoneResponds to the different things said when in a familiar context with a special person (e.g. ‘Where’s Mummy?’, ‘Where’s your nose?’).Mind· 0mo–11mo· core· Steps 1, 3
What it practices
- Understanding of single words in context is developing, e.g. ‘cup’, ‘milk’, ‘daddy’.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Pays attention to dominant stimulus – easily distracted by noises or other people talking.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Enjoys rhymes and demonstrates listening by trying to join in with actions or vocalisations.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE) — construct-derived activity authored from enriched DM2012 construct