8mo–20mo10 minFamily timeChore timeFree play
You Understood It!
A brief, everyday-word game where the adult notices and celebrates a toddler’s understanding of words and phrases through actions, attention, and early speech.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2 familiar household objects or toys (e.g., cup, spoon, ball, book, sock)
Nice to have
- a small basket or box
- a favourite snack (for simple requests like “more” or “all done”)
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
- MilestoneUnderstands familiar single wordsMind· 7mo–14mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneSelects or finds named objectMind· 10mo–19mo· core
- MilestoneFollows visually supported instructionsMind· 8mo–18mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneIdentifies named objectsMind· 13mo–2.1y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneFollows visually supported requestsMind· 12mo–15mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneUnderstands simple questionsMind· 14mo–2.2y· stretch
- MilestoneUnderstands simple spoken instructionsMind· 14mo–18mo· core
- MilestoneUses single meaningful wordsMind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestonePuts object into containerBody· 9mo–12mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneBabbles with consonant soundsMind· 5mo–10mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneChildren’s later writing is based on skills and understandings which they develop as babies and toddlers. Before they can write, they need to learn to use spoken language to communicate. Later they learn to write down the words they can say. (See the roots of Writing in Communication and language).Mind· 0mo–11mo· core· Step 3
What it practices
- Concentrates intently on an object or activity of own choosing for short periods.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Has a strong exploratory impulse.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Pays attention to dominant stimulus – easily distracted by noises or other people talking.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Recognise young children’s competence and appreciate their efforts when they show their understanding of new words and phrases.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)