16mo–2.2y10 minReadingStory timeQuiet time
Picture Book Talk-Back
A shared-reading routine where you warmly notice and build on your child’s pointing, sounds, and words so they feel confident responding to books and stories.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a picture book or board book
- a cushion or blanket for cosy reading
Nice to have
- a soft toy to act as a character
- a simple household prop that matches the book (spoon, hat, cup)
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
- MilestoneCopies sounds or wordsMind· 10mo–20mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneAttends to Shared Book ReadingMind· 18mo–2.7y· stretch· Steps 1, 2
- MilestoneLooks at books with a familiar personMind· 10mo–2y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneCopies heard wordsMind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneUses single meaningful wordsMind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneCompletes Familiar Story or Rhyme PhrasesMind· 20mo–2.7y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneIndependent page turningBody· 10mo–22mo· core· Step 1
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Encourage and support children’s responses to picture books and stories you read with them.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)