3.3y–5y12 minDevelopmental playFree playFamily time
Plan It, Explain It, Tell It
A talk-rich mini project where your child practises speaking for different purposes: describing an idea, giving instructions, explaining how/why, and planning together.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a few safe household items for a mini project (e.g., cushions, cups, tape, paper, a toy)
- paper and a pen/pencil (optional for drawing a plan)
Nice to have
- a phone timer (optional)
- a stuffed toy (as the ‘audience’ or ‘visitor’)
Movement level: mild
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneUses talk to organise, sequence and clarify thinking, ideas, feelings and events.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core· Steps 2, 4
- MilestoneLinks statements and sticks to a main theme or intention.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core· Steps 3, 4
- MilestoneExplains causesMind· 3.8y–4.6y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneComplex connected sentencesMind· 4y–5y· core· Steps 3, 4
- MilestoneTalks about own interests and ideasMind· 4y–5y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneSays what will happen nextMind· 2.5y–4y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneUses three- to five-word sentencesMind· 2y–4y· stretch
- MilestoneUses Intonation and Rhythm to Clarify MeaningMind· 2.5y–4.2y· core
What it practices
- Extends vocabulary, especially by grouping and naming, exploring the meaning and sounds of new words.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Links statements and sticks to a main theme or intention.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses talk to organise, sequence and clarify thinking, ideas, feelings and events.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses language to imagine and recreate roles and experiences in play situations.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide opportunities for talking for a wide range of purposes, e.g. to present ideas to others as descriptions, explanations, instructions or justifications, and to discuss and plan individual or shared activities.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)