2.5y–4.2y12 minDevelopmental playFree playReading
Print-Rich Word Walk
A quick print walk that turns names, signs, and labels into a playful reading experience—helping children notice words in their environment and connect letters/sounds to meaning.
What you'll need
Essentials
- existing print in your environment (names, posters, signs) OR paper/sticky notes and a marker to make 4–6 simple labels
- a safe space to walk around (one room is enough)
Nice to have
- tape/blu-tack (to place labels at child height)
- a small notebook or scrap paper (for a quick 'word list')
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
- MilestoneUses talk to organise, sequence and clarify thinking, ideas, feelings and events.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneRetells or summarizes story contentMind· 4y–5y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneMatches identical objects and picturesMind· 15mo–2.5y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneAttends to book contentMind· 18mo–2.6y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneOrders a complete familiar sequenceMind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
- Recognises rhythm in spoken words.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
- Joins in with repeated refrains and anticipates key events and phrases in rhymes and stories.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Create an environment rich in print where children can learn about words, e.g. using names, signs, posters.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)