0mo–11mo10 minFamily timeMealtimeBath time
Baby Words Share-and-Try
A quick routine to notice a baby's personal sounds/words, write them down with context, use them consistently, and share them with another caregiver so the baby hears the same words across adults.
What you'll need
Essentials
- paper and pen (or phone notes app)
- a comfortable routine moment with your child (feeding/play)
Nice to have
- a second caregiver to message (text/voice note)
- a small photo of your child to remind you of the routine context
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneCreates personal words as they begin to develop language.Mind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneVocalizes back during interactionHeart· 2mo–8mo· core
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneBabbles conversationallyMind· 8mo–15mo· core
- MilestoneUses single meaningful wordsMind· 8mo–20mo· stretch
- MilestoneMakes early non-cry soundsMind· 0mo–3mo· core· Step 1
- 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
- Communicates needs and feelings in a variety of ways including crying, gurgling, babbling and squealing.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Makes own sounds in response when talked to by familiar adults.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Practises and gradually develops speech sounds (babbling) to communicate with adults; says sounds like ‘baba, nono, gogo’.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Communicate with parents to exchange and update information about babies’ personal words.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)