16mo–2.2y8 minFamily timeQuiet timeStory time
Photo Replay Feelings Chat
A short photo-sharing conversation where you looks back at your child’s recent activities, names what happened, and gently introduces feeling words—helping your child build self-awareness and confidence through shared reflection.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 4–8 photos (printed or on a phone) showing your child doing recent activities (play, meal, park, bath, etc.)
Nice to have
- a comfy seat and a quiet spot
- a favourite soft toy to ‘look at photos’ together
- a small mirror (unbreakable) for making faces
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
- MilestoneEnjoys pictures and stories about themselves, their families and other people.Heart· 16mo–2.2y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneIs curious about people and shows interest in stories about themselves and their family.Heart· 16mo–2.2y· core· Steps 1, 2
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· core· Steps 2, 3
- MilestoneCopies sounds or wordsMind· 10mo–20mo· core· Steps 2, 3
- MilestoneWelcomes and values praise for what they have done.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneFollows visually supported instructionsMind· 8mo–18mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneSingle channelled attention. Can shift to a different task if attention fully obtained – using child’s name helps focus.Mind· 16mo–2.2y· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
- Develops own likes and dislikes in food and drink.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Willing to try new food textures and tastes.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Holds cup with both hands and drinks without much spilling.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Clearly communicates wet or soiled nappy or pants.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Shows some awareness of bladder and bowel urges.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Shows awareness of what a potty or toilet is used for.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Shows a desire to help with dressing/undressing and hygiene routines.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Gradually able to engage in pretend play with toys (supports child to understand their own thinking may be different from others).Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Demonstrates sense of self as an individual, e.g. wants to do things independently, says “No” to adult.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Share with children photographs of their activities, talking with them about what they did and how they felt.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)