16mo–2.2y12 minFamily timeFree playMealtime
Say It Two Ways: Home Words and English
A playful object-naming routine where you warmly accept and praise words in your home language, then offer an English alternative and invite your child to try it too (with no pressure).
What you'll need
Essentials
- 3 to 5 everyday objects (cup, spoon, ball, sock, toy car)
- a small basket or bag
Nice to have
- a family photo (printed or on your phone)
- a simple picture book in any language
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
- MilestoneNames familiar referentsMind· 15mo–2.3y· core
- MilestoneCopies heard wordsMind· 8mo–20mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneUses single meaningful wordsMind· 8mo–20mo· stretch
- MilestoneCopies sounds or wordsMind· 10mo–20mo· core
- MilestoneBeginning to ask simple questions.Mind· 2.1y–4.2y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneBeginning to talk about people and things that are not present.Mind· 16mo–2.2y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneUnderstands simple questionsMind· 14mo–2.2y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneIdentifies named picturesMind· 2y–3y· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Accept and praise words and phrases in home languages, saying English alternatives and encouraging their use.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)