0mo–11mo8 minFree playMealtimeFamily time
One-Word Wonder: Repeat & Link
A short single-word repetition activity where you chooses one everyday word and repeats it in clear, consistent ways so your child can gradually link the sound to its meaning.
What you'll need
Essentials
- one safe everyday object to match your chosen word (e.g., cup, spoon, cloth, ball, soft toy)
- a comfortable place to sit together
Nice to have
- a second safe object for a simple ‘choice’ moment
- a calm background (reduced noise)
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
- MilestoneUnderstands familiar single wordsMind· 7mo–14mo· core
- MilestoneOrients toward named objectMind· 10mo–18mo· stretch
- MilestoneSelects or finds named objectMind· 10mo–19mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneListens to familiar sounds, words, or finger plays.Mind· 0mo–11mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneEarly visual trackingBody· 0mo–2mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneAlerts or calms to speechMind· 0mo–4mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneLooks at a speaking caregiverMind· 1mo–6mo· stretch
- MilestoneTracks a moving object across midlineBody· 2mo–5mo· stretch· Step 2
What it practices
- Quietens or alerts to the sound of speech.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Looks intently at a person talking, but stops responding if speaker turns away.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Listens to, distinguishes and responds to intonations and sounds of voices.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Reacts in interaction with others by smiling, looking and moving.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Use and repeat single words, so the baby can gradually link the word to its meaning.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)