8mo–20mo8 minReadingQuiet timeFamily time
Feelings Book Basket Peek
A short lap-time browse using simple picture books and face images to help your child notice and label a range of emotions (e.g., “happy”), with gentle page-turn boundaries and comfort if big feelings show up.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 1–2 sturdy picture books (board books if possible) that show faces/emotions
- a small basket/box (to hold the books)
- a comfy lap/seat spot
Nice to have
- a small mirror (or phone selfie camera)
- a comfort object (blanket/teddy)
- a simple face you draw on paper (smile/sad/cross)
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 with adult supportHeart· 10mo–18mo· core
- MilestoneResponds emotionally to othersHeart· 1mo–13mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneLooks at books with a familiar personMind· 10mo–2y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneImitates facial movementsMind· 4mo–8mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneResponds to a few appropriate boundaries, with encouragement and support.Heart· 8mo–20mo· core· Step 4
- MilestoneAttends to book contentMind· 18mo–2.6y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneAssisted page turningBody· 14mo–2y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneAttends to Shared Book ReadingMind· 18mo–2.7y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneProtests frustration or interruptionHeart· 8mo–2y· stretch
- MilestoneUnderstands no or prohibitive wordsMind· 9mo–18mo· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
- Is aware of others’ feelings, for example, looks concerned if hears crying or looks excited if hears a familiar happy voice.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Growing sense of will and determination may result in feelings of anger and frustration which are difficult to handle, e.g. may have tantrums.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Responds to a few appropriate boundaries, with encouragement and support.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Begins to learn that some things are theirs, some things are shared, and some things belong to other people.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Have resources including picture books and stories that focus on a range of emotions, such as ‘I am happy’.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)