22mo–3y10 minQuiet timeFamily time
The Friendly Pause Chat
A short, playful routine that helps you pause, look, and wait so your child gets a real chance to start the conversation, then you respond warmly to keep it going.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2 small familiar objects (e.g., toy car, spoon, small ball)
Nice to have
- a small snack or drink
- a cushion or blanket
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
- MilestoneBack and forth conversationMind· 2.3y–3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneHolds a conversation, jumping from topic to topic.Mind· 22mo–3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneCombines two wordsMind· 14mo–3y· core
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneNames familiar referentsMind· 15mo–2.3y· stretch
- MilestoneCoordinates gesture with another signalMind· 9mo–2.5y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneGestures wants or needsMind· 10mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneListens to others one to one or in small groups, when conversation interests them.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneUses three- to five-word sentencesMind· 2y–4y· core
What it practices
- Holds a conversation, jumping from topic to topic.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses a variety of questions (e.g. what, where, who).Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses language as a powerful means of widening contacts, sharing feelings, experiences and thoughts.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Wait and allow the child time to start the conversation.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)