8mo–20mo8 minFree playFamily timeSelf-care
Show Me: Understanding Without Words
A short interaction routine that assumes your child may understand more than they can say, using choices, pointing, and simple actions to reveal listening and comprehension.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2 familiar objects or toys (e.g., ball and car, spoon and cup)
- a small clear space on the floor or table
Nice to have
- a small snack piece (to motivate ‘give’ and ‘put’ if appropriate for your child)
- a small box or bowl (as a ‘put in’ target)
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
- MilestoneGestures wants or needsMind· 10mo–2.3y· stretch· Steps 1, 4
- MilestoneUnderstands simple spoken instructionsMind· 14mo–18mo· stretch
- MilestoneFollows visually supported instructionsMind· 8mo–18mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneSelects or finds named objectMind· 10mo–19mo· core
- MilestoneUnderstands familiar single wordsMind· 7mo–14mo· core
- MilestoneUnderstands simple questionsMind· 14mo–2.2y· core· Step 1
- MilestonePuts object into containerBody· 9mo–12mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneTakes object from containerBody· 10mo–13mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneFollows visually supported requestsMind· 12mo–15mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneReaches for nearby objectsBody· 4mo–11mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· core· Step 4
- MilestoneResponds to own nameMind· 6mo–10mo· stretch
What it practices
- Concentrates intently on an object or activity of own choosing for short periods.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Pays attention to dominant stimulus – easily distracted by noises or other people talking.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Has a strong exploratory impulse.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Be aware that young children’s understanding is much greater than their ability to express their thoughts and ideas.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)