0mo–11mo11 minChore timeMealtimeSelf-care
Talk-As-You-Do: Words Link to Actions
A simple narration routine where you talks about what they are doing while your child watches, using short action words, repetition, and pauses to help link words with actions.
What you'll need
Essentials
- one everyday task you’re already doing (e.g., preparing lunch, making a bottle, wiping the table, folding laundry)
- a safe place for your child to watch (high chair with supervision, bouncer, floor mat, or your arms)
Nice to have
- one safe object from the task for your child to look at (e.g., spoon, cloth, empty bowl)
- a calmer environment (turn down loud music/TV if possible)
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· stretch
- MilestoneClosely observes what animals, people and vehicles do.Mind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneListens to familiar sounds, words, or finger plays.Mind· 0mo–11mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· core· Steps 1, 2, 3
- MilestoneLooks at a speaking caregiverMind· 1mo–6mo· core
- MilestoneAlerts or calms to speechMind· 0mo–4mo· core
- MilestoneReaches for nearby objectsBody· 4mo–11mo· stretch· Step 3
What it practices
- Quietens or alerts to the sound of speech.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Looks intently at a person talking, but stops responding if speaker turns away.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Turns toward a familiar sound then locates range of sounds with accuracy.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Listens to, distinguishes and responds to intonations and sounds of voices.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Talk to babies about what you are doing and what is happening, so they will link words with actions, e.g. preparing lunch.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)