0mo–11mo7 minQuiet timeFamily timeSelf-care
Copycat Cues: Mirror and Build
A short, baby-led interaction where you notices your child's expressions, actions, and gestures, responds warmly, and adds a tiny next step so your child learns their communication has an effect.
What you'll need
Essentials
- your face, voice, and hands
- a safe, comfortable place to be close to your child (lap or floor mat with supervision)
Nice to have
- a soft muslin cloth (no loose threads)
- one simple baby-safe toy (if your child is already holding it)
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 3-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneBids to keep adult attentionHeart· 3mo–5mo· core
- MilestoneLearns that own voice and actions have effects on others.Heart· 0mo–11mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneRepeats actions that have an effect, e.g. kicking or hitting a mobile or shaking a rattle.Mind· 0mo–11mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneLaughs during social playHeart· 3mo–6mo· stretch
- MilestonePlays simple back-and-forth gamesHeart· 6mo–14mo· stretch· Step 2
What it practices
- Laughs and gurgles, e.g. shows pleasure at being tickled and other physical interactions.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Expresses discomfort, hunger or thirst.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Responds to and thrives on warm, sensitive physical contactObservable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Respond to and build on babies’ expressions, actions, and gestures. Babies will repeat actions that get a positive response from you.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)