16mo–2.2y10 minFamily timeFree playSelf-care
Say It, Show It, Sign It
A supportive communication practice where you invite your child to use different strategies (words, pointing, showing, gesture, and simple signs you already know) to get needs met and repair misunderstandings without pressure.
What you'll need
Essentials
- two everyday choices (e.g., two snacks, two toys, two cups)
- one ‘help’ situation item (e.g., a jar with lid, a box to open, a toy slightly out of reach)
Nice to have
- a small picture/photo of an item (phone photo is fine)
- a favourite toy to ‘talk’ for
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
- MilestoneCoordinates gesture with another signalMind· 9mo–2.5y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneGestures wants or needsMind· 10mo–2.3y· core
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneBeginning to talk about people and things that are not present.Mind· 16mo–2.2y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneUses single meaningful wordsMind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Steps 1, 4
- MilestoneUnderstands simple questionsMind· 14mo–2.2y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneNames familiar referentsMind· 15mo–2.3y· stretch
- MilestoneCombines two wordsMind· 14mo–3y· stretch
- MilestoneNames pictured referentsMind· 23mo–2.9y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneFollows visually supported instructionsMind· 8mo–18mo· stretch· Step 3
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Support children in using a variety of communication strategies, including signing, where appropriate.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)