3.3y–5y12 minFamily timeWith other childrenQuiet time
Shared Experience Chat Circle
A short, structured conversation routine that gives children time to initiate discussion from a shared experience and practise listening and responding to others.
What you'll need
Essentials
- one shared ‘talk trigger’ from today (a drawing, leaf, snack wrapper, toy, or photo on a phone)
- a comfy place to sit facing each other
Nice to have
- a second person to chat with (sibling/other caregiver); or a soft toy to ‘take turns’ with
- a simple ‘talking object’ (any small item to hold while speaking)
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
- MilestoneSustains back-and-forth conversationMind· 3.3y–5y· core· Steps 2, 3
- MilestoneExplains own knowledge and understanding, and asks appropriate questions of others.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneListens to others one to one or in small groups, when conversation interests them.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Steps 2, 3
- MilestoneTalks about own interests and ideasMind· 4y–5y· core· Steps 1, 4
- MilestoneLinks statements and sticks to a main theme or intention.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneUses talk to organise, sequence and clarify thinking, ideas, feelings and events.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneCaptures experiences and responses with a range of media, such as music, dance and paint and other materials or words.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneUses three- to five-word sentencesMind· 2y–4y· stretch
- MilestoneRetells Recent or Past EventsMind· 2.3y–3.2y· stretch
- MilestoneUses Intonation and Rhythm to Clarify MeaningMind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch
What it practices
- Extends vocabulary, especially by grouping and naming, exploring the meaning and sounds of new words.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses language to imagine and recreate roles and experiences in play situations.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Links statements and sticks to a main theme or intention.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses talk to organise, sequence and clarify thinking, ideas, feelings and events.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Introduces a storyline or narrative into their play.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Give time for children to initiate discussions from shared experiences and have conversations with each other.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)