2.5y–4.2y12 minFree playArtFamily time
Playful Language Adventure
A stimulating play-and-talk routine that blends pretend play, object exploration, and simple mark-making to build enjoyment of spoken and written language.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a small bag, bowl, or pillowcase (for a mystery grab)
- 5 small safe household objects (e.g., spoon, sock, toy car, brush, cup)
- paper and a pen/pencil/crayon
Nice to have
- sticky tape or a little piece of paper to ‘label’ objects
- a small box to use as a pretend shop/cafe counter
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
- MilestoneRetells Recent or Past EventsMind· 2.3y–3.2y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneComplex connected sentencesMind· 4y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneExplains object functionsMind· 2.5y–2.8y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneDescribes object propertiesMind· 2.5y–3y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneNames objects in contextMind· 2.5y–3.8y· core
- MilestoneUses three- to five-word sentencesMind· 2y–4y· stretch
- MilestoneTalks About Past and Future EventsMind· 2.5y–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneIndependent connected storytellingMind· 4y–5y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneAsks Wh-QuestionsMind· 2.3y–3.2y· core
What it practices
- Beginning to use more complex sentences to link thoughts (e.g. using and, because).Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Can retell a simple past event in correct order (e.g. went down slide, hurt finger).Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses talk to connect ideas, explain what is happening and anticipate what might happen next, recall and relive past experiences.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Questions why things happen and gives explanations. Asks e.g. who, what, when, how.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses a range of tenses (e.g. play, playing, will play, played).Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Foster children’s enjoyment of spoken and written language by providing interesting and stimulating play opportunities.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)