—12 minFree playFamily timeArt
Tell Me, Then Ask Me
A playful talk routine during building/drawing/pretend play where your child explains their idea, asks a relevant question, and listens for the answer.
What you'll need
Essentials
- blocks/LEGO OR paper and crayons
- a small space to build or draw together (floor/table)
Nice to have
- a toy figure/soft toy to be the 'helper'
- a small bowl of mixed pieces (to create natural choices)
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
- MilestoneExplains own knowledge and understanding, and asks appropriate questions of others.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Steps 1, 2, 4
- MilestoneListens to others one to one or in small groups, when conversation interests them.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Steps 2, 4
- MilestoneTwo-channelled attention – can listen and do for short span.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneTalks about own interests and ideasMind· 4y–5y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneUses three- to five-word sentencesMind· 2y–4y· stretch· Step 1
What it practices
- Explains own knowledge and understanding, and asks appropriate questions of others.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Initiates conversations, attends to and takes account of what others say.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Keeps play going by responding to what others are saying or doing.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE) — construct-derived activity authored from enriched DM2012 construct