3.3y–5y9 minStory timeReadingQuiet time
Story Journey Through Environments
Guide the adult to use stories (read or invented) to help your child make sense of different environments by noticing features, using descriptive vocabulary, and comparing how places might feel and work.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a picture book OR a simple made-up story about a journey to different places
Nice to have
- a stuffed toy to be the main character (optional)
- paper and pencil/crayon
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
- MilestoneIdentifies shared category featuresMind· 2.8y–5y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneTalks about own interests and ideasMind· 4y–5y· core· Steps 2, 4
- MilestoneExplains causesMind· 3.8y–4.6y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneExtends vocabulary, especially by grouping and naming, exploring the meaning and sounds of new words.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core
- MilestoneAnswers questions about a storyMind· 4y–6y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneLinks statements and sticks to a main theme or intention.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch
- MilestoneShows nonverbal story understandingMind· 3y–5y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneListens and joins inMind· 2.3y–3.3y· stretch· Step 1
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide stories that help children to make sense of different environments.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)