16mo–2.2y8 minStory timeReadingMusic
Two Voices Story Time
You read a short story using two different character voices and encourage your child to join in with sounds, key words, and repeated lines wherever possible.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a short, familiar story or picture book
- a soft toy or two small household objects to be characters
Nice to have
- a spoon or cardboard tube as a pretend microphone
- a blanket for a cosy story spot
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
- MilestoneCopies sounds or wordsMind· 10mo–20mo· core· Steps 1, 3
- MilestoneCompletes Familiar Story or Rhyme PhrasesMind· 20mo–2.7y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneCopies heard wordsMind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneCopies familiar phrasesMind· 12mo–23mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneShows interest in play with sounds, songs and rhymes.Mind· 16mo–2.2y· stretch· Steps 2, 3
- MilestoneAttends to Shared Book ReadingMind· 18mo–2.7y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneSeeks out others to share experiences.Heart· 14mo–2.2y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneHas some favourite stories, rhymes, songs, poems or jingles.Mind· 16mo–2.2y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Use different voices to tell stories and encourage young children to join in wherever possible.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)