2.5y–4.2y10 minFree playFamily timeQuiet time
Routine Replay: What Happens Next?
Using a handful of familiar household props, the adult supports your child to re-enact a mini routine and practise predicting and ordering events coherently through talk and action.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 3-5 small household props that match a familiar routine (e.g., cup, spoon, washcloth, toy teddy, small box as a ‘bed’)
- a clear space on the floor or table
Nice to have
- paper and a crayon (to draw ‘first/next/last’ pictures after)
- a phone camera (optional, to take 3 quick photos for retelling later)
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
- MilestoneOrders a complete familiar sequenceMind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneTells the next familiar eventMind· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneReenacts familiar experiencesMind· 2.2y–3.8y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestonePredicts what happens nextMind· 3y–5y· core
- MilestoneUses talk to organise, sequence and clarify thinking, ideas, feelings and events.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneSupported familiar-story retellingMind· 4y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneAnticipates familiar story eventsMind· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneBeginning to be aware of the way stories are structured.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneRetells or summarizes story contentMind· 4y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneSustains back-and-forth conversationMind· 3.3y–5y· stretch
- MilestoneFollows instructions with several steps or actionsMind· 3.3y–4y· stretch
What it practices
- Listens to stories with increasing attention and recall.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Joins in with repeated refrains and anticipates key events and phrases in rhymes and stories.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Focusing attention – still listen or do, but can shift own attention.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Is able to follow directions (if not intently focused on own choice of activity).Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Help children to predict and order events coherently, by providing props and materials that encourage children to re-enact, using talk and action.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)