0mo–11mo8 minQuiet timeBath timeMealtime
Pause for the Familiar Bit
A gentle, repeatable finger-play routine that helps you notice whether your child recognises familiar words/sounds by looking, stilling, smiling, and anticipating a favourite moment.
What you'll need
Essentials
- your voice and hands
- one familiar finger play or short rhyme you already use
Nice to have
- a soft toy (teddy/doll)
- a small cloth/muslin
- a phone timer (to keep it short)
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
- MilestoneListens to familiar sounds, words, or finger plays.Mind· 0mo–11mo· core· Steps 1, 2
- MilestoneAnticipates repeated sounds, sights and actions, e.g. when an adult demonstrates an action toy several times.Mind· 8mo–20mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneGets to know and enjoy daily routines, such as getting-up time, mealtimes, nappy time, and bedtime.Mind· 0mo–11mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneLooks at a speaking caregiverMind· 1mo–6mo· core
- MilestoneAlerts or calms to speechMind· 0mo–4mo· core
- MilestoneResponds to own nameMind· 6mo–10mo· stretch
What it practices
- Listens to familiar sounds, words, or finger plays.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Listens to, distinguishes and responds to intonations and sounds of voices.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Looks intently at a person talking, but stops responding if speaker turns away.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