0mo–11mo8 minFamily timeQuiet timeSelf-care
Faces We Love Photo Chat
A gentle photo-based interaction that uses familiar faces to build recognition, comfort, and early shared attention in the building-relationships birth–11m window.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2–4 family photos (printed or on a phone screen)
Nice to have
- clear tape or reusable adhesive (for placing photos at adult eye level)
- a small unbreakable mirror
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
- MilestoneLooks at and follows facesHeart· 0mo–12mo· core
- MilestoneRecognizes familiar caregiverHeart· 0mo–10mo· core
- MilestoneDeveloping the ability to follow others’ body language, including pointing and gesture.Mind· 10mo–15mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· stretch
- MilestonePoints and gazes to share attentionHeart· 8mo–2y· stretch· Step 2
What it practices
- Recognises and is most responsive to main carer’s voice: face brightens, activity increases when familiar carer appears.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- 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
- 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
- “Display photos of family and other special people.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)