8mo–20mo8 minMealtimeSelf-careFamily time
Show & Say: Pictures, Objects, and Simple Signs
A quick everyday-language routine where you pairs words with pictures, real objects, and simple gestures/signs so your child can attend, understand, and begin to respond.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 3–5 familiar safe objects (e.g., cup, spoon, sock, ball)
- a picture book OR a few photos/pictures of the same objects (phone photos are fine)
- your hands for simple gestures/signs (e.g., 'more', 'all done', pointing)
Nice to have
- sticky notes/paper labels (for the adult only)
- a small mirror (only if safe and supervised) for watching mouth/gestures
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
- MilestoneUnderstands familiar single wordsMind· 7mo–14mo· core
- MilestoneMatches identical objects and picturesMind· 15mo–2.5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneSelects or finds named objectMind· 10mo–19mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneDeveloping the ability to follow others’ body language, including pointing and gesture.Mind· 10mo–15mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneUnderstands familiar contextual cuesMind· 0mo–11mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneOrients toward named objectMind· 10mo–18mo· core
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· stretch· Step 1
What it practices
- Pays attention to dominant stimulus – easily distracted by noises or other people talking.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Concentrates intently on an object or activity of own choosing for short periods.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Has a strong exploratory impulse.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Enjoys rhymes and demonstrates listening by trying to join in with actions or vocalisations.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Use pictures, books, real objects, and signs alongside your words.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)