0mo–11mo8 minQuiet timeFamily timeTummy time
Look… Then Back Again
A calm, routine-based game that helps you notice fleeting attention and gently support your child to re-engage after a mild distraction.
What you'll need
Essentials
- your voice and face
- one familiar toy or object (soft toy, rattle, or baby-safe household item)
Nice to have
- a small cloth/muslin
- a board book
- a gentle sound-maker (e.g., tapping a spoon lightly on a mug)
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
- MilestoneFleeting Attention – not under child’s control, new stimuli takes whole attention.Mind· 0mo–11mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneSustains visual attention brieflyMind· 1mo–4mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneLooks at a speaking caregiverMind· 1mo–6mo· core
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneTurns toward and locates a soundMind· 1mo–11mo· stretch
- MilestoneResponds to own nameMind· 6mo–10mo· stretch
What it practices
- Fleeting Attention – not under child’s control, new stimuli takes whole attention.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Listens to familiar sounds, words, or finger plays.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Turns toward a familiar sound then locates range of sounds with accuracy.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE) — construct-derived activity authored from enriched DM2012 construct