16mo–2.2y10 minReadingFree playFamily time
Toy Tale Replay
A short read-then-play routine where your child uses familiar story moments in pretend play with soft toys, practising attention to stories and repeating favourite words and phrases.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a familiar picture book (a favourite is ideal)
- 2–4 soft toys or small toy figures
- a small blanket/towel or a cushion (to make a simple “story scene”)
Nice to have
- a small box/basket (as a “story basket”)
- a spoon or cup (as an extra prop)
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
- MilestoneSimple pretend playMind· 14mo–2.2y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneCopies sounds or wordsMind· 10mo–20mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneCopies heard wordsMind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneCopies familiar phrasesMind· 12mo–23mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneCompletes Familiar Story or Rhyme PhrasesMind· 20mo–2.7y· stretch· Step 2
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Encourage children to use the stories they hear in their play.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)