22mo–3y10 minFree playFamily time
Word Detective
A playful ‘listen and notice’ routine where you show genuine interest in the words your child chooses, reflect them back, and build a short conversation about their experiences.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a favourite toy or everyday object from today (e.g., shoes, spoon, toy animal)
Nice to have
- paper and pen (for you, not the child)
- a small basket of familiar items
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
- MilestoneBack and forth conversationMind· 2.3y–3y· stretch· Steps 1, 3
- MilestoneHolds a conversation, jumping from topic to topic.Mind· 22mo–3y· stretch· Steps 1, 3
- MilestoneBeginning to ask simple questions.Mind· 2.1y–4.2y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneAsks Wh-QuestionsMind· 2.3y–3.2y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneListens to others one to one or in small groups, when conversation interests them.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Steps 2, 3
- MilestoneAnswers simple open questionsMind· 2.3y–3.3y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneUses three- to five-word sentencesMind· 2y–4y· core
- MilestoneCombines two wordsMind· 14mo–3y· core
- MilestoneNames familiar referentsMind· 15mo–2.3y· stretch
- MilestoneUnderstands simple questionsMind· 14mo–2.2y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneRetells Recent or Past EventsMind· 2.3y–3.2y· stretch
What it practices
- Learns new words very rapidly and is able to use them in communicating.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses language as a powerful means of widening contacts, sharing feelings, experiences and thoughts.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses a variety of questions (e.g. what, where, who).Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Show interest in the words children use to communicate and describe their experiences.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)