—12 minWith other childrenOutdoorFree play
Watch, Copy, Check‑In
A simple ‘watch then try’ routine (best at a park/playgroup) to help your child notice what others are doing and practise responding differently to a peer’s invitation versus an adult’s cue and reassurance.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a small toy you can take out (ball, car, or soft toy)
- a safe space where your child can watch others (park, playgroup, family gathering)
Nice to have
- a snack/drink for a calm break
- a pushchair/carrier to help your child watch from close to you if needed
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
- MilestoneWatches and imitates other childrenHeart· 12mo–20mo· core
- MilestoneShows interest in peer playHeart· 14mo–2y· stretch
- MilestoneClosely observes what animals, people and vehicles do.Mind· 8mo–20mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneUses familiar adult support in new situationsHeart· 8mo–20mo· stretch
- MilestonePlays alongside other childrenHeart· 10mo–18mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneResponds to own nameMind· 6mo–10mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneEngages reciprocally with peersHeart· 10mo–22mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneDeveloping the ability to follow others’ body language, including pointing and gesture.Mind· 10mo–15mo· core· Step 1
What it practices
- Shows interest in the activities of others and responds differently to children and adults, e.g. may be more interested in watching children than adults or may pay more attention when children talk to them.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Plays alongside others.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Interacts with others and explores new situations when supported by familiar person.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE) — construct-derived activity authored from enriched DM2012 construct