0mo–11mo10 minQuiet timeFamily time
Copy‑Me Face Play
A short face-to-face imitation game that encourages your child to look, respond, and begin to mimic simple facial expressions and sounds through playful turn-taking.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a comfortable place to sit with your child safely supported
Nice to have
- a baby-safe mirror (held by an adult)
- a soft muslin cloth for a quick peek‑a‑boo
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
- MilestoneImitates facial movementsMind· 4mo–8mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· core
- MilestoneLooks at and follows facesHeart· 0mo–12mo· core
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneSustains visual attention brieflyMind· 1mo–4mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneBids to keep adult attentionHeart· 3mo–5mo· stretch
- MilestoneResponds to own nameMind· 6mo–10mo· stretch· Step 1
What it practices
- Gazes at faces and copies facial movements. e.g. sticking out tongue, opening mouth and widening eyes.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Responds when talked to, for example, moves arms and legs, changes facial expression, moves body and makes mouth movements.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Recognises and is most responsive to main carer’s voice: face brightens, activity increases when familiar carer appears.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Enjoys the company of others and seeks contact with others from birth.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Responds to what carer is paying attention to, e.g. following their gaze.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Engage in playful interactions that encourage young babies to respond to, or mimic, adults.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)