3.3y–5y10 minSocial playStory timeFamily time
Visitor Voice Helper
A simple role-play that helps children adjust language for different audiences (visitor, friend, baby, teacher) using polite greetings, explanations, and clearer detail.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a soft toy or cushion to be the ‘visitor’
- 1 familiar item to show-and-tell (toy, drawing, or household object)
Nice to have
- paper and pen to draw a simple ‘visitor badge’
- a phone to take a pretend ‘photo’ (optional)
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
- MilestoneUses talk to organise, sequence and clarify thinking, ideas, feelings and events.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneUses Intonation and Rhythm to Clarify MeaningMind· 2.5y–4.2y· core
- MilestoneLinks statements and sticks to a main theme or intention.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core· Steps 2, 3
- MilestoneLonger sentencesMind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneAdjusts to stated expectationsHeart· 2.5y–3.7y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneEnacts a pretend roleMind· 3y–5y· core
- MilestoneUses three- to five-word sentencesMind· 2y–4y· stretch
- MilestoneNames objects in contextMind· 2.5y–3.8y· core· Step 2
What it practices
- Extends vocabulary, especially by grouping and naming, exploring the meaning and sounds of new words.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses language to imagine and recreate roles and experiences in play situations.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Links statements and sticks to a main theme or intention.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses talk to organise, sequence and clarify thinking, ideas, feelings and events.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Introduces a storyline or narrative into their play.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Model language appropriates for different audiences, for example, a visitor.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)