0mo–11mo7 minFree playMealtimeFamily time
Echo It Back
A gentle back-and-forth where you notice your child’s word attempts and repeat the object name clearly, helping them connect sounds to meaning.
What you'll need
Essentials
- one safe everyday object to name (soft toy, cup, spoon)
- a small blanket or cushion to sit comfortably
Nice to have
- a baby-safe mirror
- a second safe everyday object with a clear name (ball, book)
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
What it practices
- 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
- Communicates needs and feelings in a variety of ways including crying, gurgling, babbling and squealing.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “When babies try to say a word, repeat it back so they can hear the name of the object clearly.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)