Give opportunities for babies to explore objects and materials.
When you talk to babies, make sure you are face to face.
Use plenty of facial expression, as babies will be interested in the movement of your face, eyes and lips as you speak and play.
Gently touch babies by stroking their cheeks or tummies. Talk as you do this and be aware of how they show their enjoyment of this close physical contact.
Try the following types of games to help babies become aware that the world is three dimensional:
– 'touch and tickle' games - tickling arms, legs and tummy;
– bouncing babies on your knee or rocking them;
– holding babies up in the air;
– moving babies' arms and legs up and down or from side to side.
When babies smile, laugh or move their limbs in response to games, respond with words, facial expressions or repeat the game.
Encourage babies to be aware of their own bodies by touching their face, counting their toes and fingers or giving them your finger to grasp.
Bring toys and interesting objects, including books, close enough for a baby to look at and reach. Talk about what they are looking at or reaching out for.
Give babies time to explore on their own. Babies enjoy things they can grip or swipe at, such as rattles or toys and mobiles dangling on their pram.
Choose toys in a range of textures, fabrics and with mirrors to build on babies' interest.
Develop babies' awareness of turn-taking by making play highly repetitive, so that they see again and again how their actions have an effect on adult behaviour. In this way babies make some very early discoveries about cause and effect.
Use rhyme and songs, linked to rhythmic movements such as rocking, bouncing and swinging. This creates a strong link between the rhythms of speech and the pace and rhythm of physical movement.
Designing and Making
Talk to babies about particular objects and materials, drawing their attention to features such as their feel or sound.
ICT
Talk about the features of items that interest them such as a toy rabbit's floppy ears or a bear with a rumbling tummy.
Time
Talk about what you are doing as you prepare a feed or a bath.
Place
Encourage young babies' movements through your interactions, for example, touching their fingers and toes and showing delight at their kicking and waving.
Communities
Provide support for young babies when they are not with their key person, to give them manageable experiences with others, for example, ensure that others know a young baby's special characteristics and preferences.
Acknowledgements
Disclaimer
00012-2007CDO-EN