16mo–2.2y10 minMusicStory timeFamily timeQuiet time
Rhyme & Sound Listening Party
A short shared listening routine using rhymes, story sounds and spoken words to build attention, anticipation and joining-in.
What you'll need
Essentials
- phone/tablet or CD player with short audio (rhymes, stories, sounds, spoken words)
- comfortable place to sit together
Nice to have
- small speaker
- 2-3 familiar objects (e.g., teddy, toy car, spoon)
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 to and enjoys rhythmic patterns in rhymes and stories.Mind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneAnticipates repeated sounds, sights and actions, e.g. when an adult demonstrates an action toy several times.Mind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneParticipates in songs and rhymesMind· 14mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneCompletes Familiar Story or Rhyme PhrasesMind· 20mo–2.7y· stretch
- MilestoneRecognizes familiar environmental soundsMind· 12mo–2y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneHas some favourite stories, rhymes, songs, poems or jingles.Mind· 16mo–2.2y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneUnderstands simple questionsMind· 14mo–2.2y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneGestures wants or needsMind· 10mo–2.3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneMoves to music or rhythmBody· 8mo–18mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneAttends to Shared Book ReadingMind· 18mo–2.7y· core
What it practices
- Interested in books and rhymes and may have favourites.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Has some favourite stories, rhymes, songs, poems or jingles.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Repeats words or phrases from familiar stories.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Fills in the missing word or phrase in a known rhyme, story or game, e.g. ‘Humpty Dumpty sat on a …’.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide CDs of rhymes, stories, sounds and spoken words.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)