22mo–3y10 minFree playFamily timeSelf-care
Say It Back, Plus One
A playful way to build longer phrases by repeating what your child says and adding one helpful word during everyday play.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a doll or soft toy
- a brush or comb (or a spoon as a pretend brush)
Nice to have
- a small blanket (for pretend bedtime)
- two small everyday objects (cup, car, spoon) for variety
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
- MilestoneCombines two wordsMind· 14mo–3y· core
- MilestoneUses three- to five-word sentencesMind· 2y–4y· core
- MilestoneBack and forth conversationMind· 2.3y–3y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneHolds a conversation, jumping from topic to topic.Mind· 22mo–3y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneUnderstands simple questionsMind· 14mo–2.2y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneAnswers simple open questionsMind· 2.3y–3.3y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneBeginning to ask simple questions.Mind· 2.1y–4.2y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneNames familiar referentsMind· 15mo–2.3y· stretch
- MilestoneCan select and use activities and resources with help.Heart· 22mo–3y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneDemonstrates sense of self as an individual, e.g. wants to do things independently, says “No” to adult.Heart· 16mo–2.2y· stretch· Step 3
What it practices
- Uses gestures, sometimes with limited talk, e.g. reaches toward toy, saying ‘I have it’.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses language as a powerful means of widening contacts, sharing feelings, experiences and thoughts.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Holds a conversation, jumping from topic to topic.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Add words to what children say, e.g. child says ‘Brush dolly hair’, you say ‘Yes, Lucy is brushing dolly’s hair.’”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)