2.5y–4.2y10 minFamily timeQuiet timeReading
Why We Listen: Talking Spoon Turn-Taking
A gentle, concrete way to explain and practise listening: the adult introduces a simple ‘why’ (kindness, understanding, safety), then practises paying attention during short turns with a ‘talking object’.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a ‘talking object’ (e.g., a spoon, small toy, or sock puppet)
Nice to have
- a picture book (to practise listening to a short story bit)
- two cushions (to sit facing each other comfortably)
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
- MilestoneListens to others one to one or in small groups, when conversation interests them.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Steps 1, 2
- MilestoneAttends and recallsMind· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneAdjusts to stated expectationsHeart· 2.5y–3.7y· core· Steps 1, 4
- MilestoneAttends to Shared Book ReadingMind· 18mo–2.7y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneAnswers story questionsMind· 2.1y–3.1y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneSustains back-and-forth conversationMind· 3.3y–5y· core
- MilestoneHelps with simple household tasksHeart· 18mo–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneReceptive spatial-word understandingMind· 2.7y–3.2y· core· Step 4
What it practices
- Listens to others one to one or in small groups, when conversation interests them.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Focusing attention – still listen or do, but can shift own attention.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Listens to stories with increasing attention and recall.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Explain why it is important to pay attention when others are speaking.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)