2.5y–4.2y10 minFree playFamily timeStory time
Say It Back, Smoothly
A warm ‘recast’ game where you model correct grammar by repeating your child’s message back in a natural, grown-up sentence—without telling them they were wrong—so talk keeps flowing while language gently improves.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2–3 small toys or everyday objects (e.g., car, teddy, cup)
- a comfy space to play or chat
Nice to have
- 2–3 familiar photos (on your phone or printed)
- paper and a crayon for a quick doodle
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
- MilestoneUses a range of tenses (e.g. play, playing, will play, played).Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneComplex connected sentencesMind· 4y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneLinks statements and sticks to a main theme or intention.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneIndependent connected storytellingMind· 4y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneSupported familiar-story retellingMind· 4y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneTalks About Past and Future EventsMind· 2.5y–3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneUses three- to five-word sentencesMind· 2y–4y· core
- MilestoneRetells or summarizes story contentMind· 4y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneUses Intonation and Rhythm to Clarify MeaningMind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch
What it practices
- Uses a range of tenses (e.g. play, playing, will play, played).Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Beginning to use more complex sentences to link thoughts (e.g. using and, because).Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses talk to connect ideas, explain what is happening and anticipate what might happen next, recall and relive past experiences.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Can retell a simple past event in correct order (e.g. went down slide, hurt finger).Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Ensure that all practitioners use correct grammar.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)