0mo–11mo8 minFamily timeQuiet timeNap
Face-to-Face Baby Storytelling
A short storytime that mixes telling and reading while watching baby’s cues, supporting shared attention, early turn-taking, and enjoyment of language.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a comfortable spot where baby can see your face
Nice to have
- a simple board or cloth book
- a soft toy to ‘act out’ a tiny part of the story
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
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneVocalizes back during interactionHeart· 2mo–8mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestonePoints and gazes to share attentionHeart· 8mo–2y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneAlerts or calms to speechMind· 0mo–4mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneLooks at books with a familiar personMind· 10mo–2y· core
- MilestoneDeveloping the ability to follow others’ body language, including pointing and gesture.Mind· 10mo–15mo· core· Step 3
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Tell, as well as read, stories, looking at and interacting with young babies.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)