22mo–3y10 minStory timeReadingFamily time
Props Story: Same, Different, Again
A short, prop-supported story where you uses real objects/figures to make meaning clear for your child, with repeated phrases and simple patterns to support understanding (especially for children learning English as an additional language).
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2 small ‘character’ props (e.g., 2 toy animals, 2 cars, or 2 dolls)
- 3 small everyday ‘story objects’ (e.g., 3 blocks, 3 socks, or 3 plastic lids)
- a clear play space (floor or table)
Nice to have
- a small cloth (to ‘hide’ an object briefly)
- a simple picture book (to connect props to a story page)
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
- MilestoneListens and joins inMind· 2.3y–3.3y· core· Steps 1, 2
- MilestoneCompletes Familiar Story or Rhyme PhrasesMind· 20mo–2.7y· core
- MilestoneTells the next familiar eventMind· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneAttends to Shared Book ReadingMind· 18mo–2.7y· core
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneTakes turns in simple games with adult supportHeart· 20mo–3.3y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneBeginning to be aware of the way stories are structured.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneOrders a complete familiar sequenceMind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneAttends and recallsMind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Steps 1, 4
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Use story props to support all children and particularly those learning English as an additional language.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)