2.5y–4.2y15 minReadingStory timeFamily time
Predict & Change the Story
A guided shared-reading routine that supports prediction, alternative endings, comparing plots, and linking character feelings to a child’s own experiences.
What you'll need
Essentials
- one familiar picture book (or a short story you know well)
- comfortable place to sit together
Nice to have
- paper and crayons to draw an alternative ending
- two soft toys to act out a scene
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
- MilestonePredicts what happens nextMind· 2.8y–3.6y· core· Step 1
- MilestonePredicts what happens nextMind· 3y–5y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneBeginning to be aware of the way stories are structured.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneTalks about own interests and ideasMind· 4y–5y· core· Steps 3, 4
- MilestoneAnswers story questionsMind· 2.1y–3.1y· core
- MilestoneAnswers questions about a storyMind· 4y–6y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneDescribes feelings with supportHeart· 4.5y–5.5y· core
What it practices
- Beginning to be aware of the way stories are structured.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Suggests how the story might end.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Joins in with repeated refrains and anticipates key events and phrases in rhymes and stories.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Listens to and joins in with stories and poems, one-to-one and also in small groups.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Encourage them to predict outcomes, to think of alternative endings and to compare plots and the feelings of characters with their own experiences.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)