16mo–2.2y8 minMusicQuiet timeFamily time
Rhyme & Sound Listening Picnic
Use short audio clips (rhymes, stories, sound effects) to build shared attention and playful copying of sounds/words, then link what you hear to pictures and objects at home.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a phone/tablet/speaker or CD player
- 2–3 short audio tracks (rhymes, stories, sound effects)
Nice to have
- 2–4 small toys/objects that match common sounds (toy car, animal, spoon, keys)
- a cushion or blanket to sit together
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
- MilestoneCopies sounds or wordsMind· 10mo–20mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneImitates animal or environmental soundsMind· 18mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneRecognizes familiar environmental soundsMind· 12mo–2y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneListens to and enjoys rhythmic patterns in rhymes and stories.Mind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneCreates sounds by banging, shaking, tapping or blowing.Mind· 7mo–10mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneIdentifies named picturesMind· 2y–3y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestonePoints to named objectMind· 2y–2.4y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneExperiments with object actionsMind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneCopies heard wordsMind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneMoves rhythmically to musicBody· 11mo–23mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneMoves to music or rhythmBody· 8mo–18mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneShows an interest in the way musical instruments sound.Mind· 22mo–3y· stretch· Step 3
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)