16mo–2.2y10 minQuiet timeReadingFamily time
Quiet Listening Moments
A short routine that reduces background noise so your child can focus on meaningful sounds (your voice, a story, familiar household noises) with clearer attention and understanding.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a quiet space (TV/music off)
- 2–3 familiar household sound-makers (e.g., keys, spoon and cup, a book to tap)
Nice to have
- a short picture book
- a phone timer (to keep sound moments brief)
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
What it practices
- Listens with interest to the noises adults make when they read stories.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Recognises and responds to many familiar sounds, e.g. turning to a knock on the door, looking at or going to the door.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Shows interest in play with sounds, songs and rhymes.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Single channelled attention. Can shift to a different task if attention fully obtained – using child’s name helps focus.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Identifies action words by pointing to the right picture, e.g., “Who’s jumping?”Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Keep background noise to a minimum, e.g. use music or radio briefly only for particular purposes.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)