2.5y–4.2y15 minReadingFamily timeDevelopmental play
Text Treasure Mix-and-Decode
A quick 'varied texts' sampler (story + everyday print + simple information text) where the adult encourages the child to use all available cues—phonic knowledge, pictures, and context—to decode and make sense of words.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a storybook (any picture book)
- one piece of everyday print (a food packet, leaflet, menu, label, or sign)
- a simple information text (a non-fiction picture book or a printed page with photos)
Nice to have
- sticky notes (to mark 1 target word on each text)
- paper and marker (to write one easy word big)
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
- MilestonePredicts what happens nextMind· 2.8y–3.6y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneAnswers story questionsMind· 2.1y–3.1y· stretch
- MilestoneAnswers questions about a storyMind· 4y–6y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneMatches identical objects and picturesMind· 15mo–2.5y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneAnswers simple open questionsMind· 2.3y–3.3y· stretch· Steps 2, 4
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneCan select and use activities and resources with help.Heart· 22mo–3y· stretch· Step 1
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide varied texts and encourage children to use all their skills including their phonic knowledge to decode words.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)