16mo–2.2y10 minStory timeFamily timeSocial play
Same and Different, All Welcome
A gentle, everyday routine that models positive language about differences (skin, hair, abilities, families) and helps your child practice acceptance through books, photos, and kind phrases.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a small set of pictures showing different people (family photos, book pages, or printed images)
Nice to have
- 2 dolls or soft toys with different features
- a mirror
- a favourite short picture book
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneSimple pretend playMind· 14mo–2.2y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneLearns that they have similarities and differences that connect them to, and distinguish them from, others.Heart· 16mo–2.2y· core
- MilestonePretends with imagined roles or thingsMind· 2y–3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneEnjoys pictures and stories about themselves, their families and other people.Heart· 16mo–2.2y· stretch
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Be positive about differences between people and support children’s acceptance of difference. Be aware that negative attitudes towards difference are learned from examples the children witness.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)