2.5y–4.2y9 minDevelopmental playOutdoorFamily time
Wonder Words: Notice and Ask
A quick ‘notice and wonder’ routine that builds vocabulary for describing observations and supports your child to ask simple questions, using optional tech to zoom in and find answers.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 3 everyday items with different textures (e.g., spoon, sponge, leaf)
- a small tray or towel to place items on
Nice to have
- a phone/tablet camera for close-up viewing
- paper and marker for drawing or making a simple 'word list'
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
- MilestoneDescribes object propertiesMind· 2.5y–3y· core
- MilestoneAsks Wh-QuestionsMind· 2.3y–3.2y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneNotices detailed features of objects in their environment.Mind· 22mo–3y· stretch
- MilestoneAsks why questionsMind· 2.5y–3y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneExplains own knowledge and understanding, and asks appropriate questions of others.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· core
- MilestoneAnswers simple open questionsMind· 2.3y–3.3y· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
- Knows how to operate simple equipment, e.g. turns on CD player and uses remote control.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Knows that information can be retrieved from computersObservable behaviour from Development Matters
- Completes a simple program on a computer.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Introduce vocabulary to enable children to talk about their observations and to ask questions.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)