0mo–11mo11 minSelf-careChore timeMealtime
Routine Narrator: Step-by-Step Talk
A routine-based narration activity where you lets your child see and hear the sequence of actions in a familiar routine, using short clear phrases, pauses, and responsive turn-taking to support listening and attention.
What you'll need
Essentials
- items for one familiar routine (e.g., nappy change, getting dressed, wiping hands, or making a bottle)
- a safe, comfortable spot for your child to watch (change mat, bed with supervision, floor mat, or your lap)
Nice to have
- a small cloth (for wiping hands/face)
- a calm background (lower noise, fewer distractions)
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 familiar sounds, words, or finger plays.Mind· 0mo–11mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· core· Steps 1, 3, 4
- MilestonePlays simple back-and-forth gamesHeart· 6mo–14mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneAlerts or calms to speechMind· 0mo–4mo· core
- MilestoneLooks at a speaking caregiverMind· 1mo–6mo· core
- MilestoneSustains visual attention brieflyMind· 1mo–4mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneClosely observes what animals, people and vehicles do.Mind· 8mo–20mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneChildren’s later writing is based on skills and understandings which they develop as babies and toddlers. Before they can write, they need to learn to use spoken language to communicate. Later they learn to write down the words they can say. (See the roots of Writing in Communication and language).Mind· 0mo–11mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneTurns toward and locates a soundMind· 1mo–11mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneResponds to own nameMind· 6mo–10mo· stretch
What it practices
- Looks intently at a person talking, but stops responding if speaker turns away.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Quietens or alerts to the sound of speech.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Reacts in interaction with others by smiling, looking and moving.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Turns toward a familiar sound then locates range of sounds with accuracy.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Let babies see and hear the sequence of actions you go through as you carry out familiar routines.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)