0mo–11mo10 minDevelopmental playQuiet timeFamily time
Number-Change Mobile Watch
A short, supervised looking-and-listening game where you shows your child a simple homemade mobile with 1–3 hanging items, occasionally changes the number of items, and calmly names the count.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a safe place for your child to lie and look (mat/blanket) with close supervision
- a sturdy place to hang something fully out of reach (e.g., back of a heavy chair or a table edge) used only while your child is awake and supervised
- 1–3 large, lightweight, baby-safe items to hang (e.g., clean socks, paper shapes taped securely, plastic measuring spoons) with no small parts
Nice to have
- tape (to secure items) and short lengths of ribbon/string used only out of reach
- a soft cloth or tea towel (for brief ‘cover and reveal’ moments)
- a phone timer (to remind you to keep it short)
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
- MilestoneNotices changes in number of objects/images or sounds in group of up to 3.Mind· 0mo–11mo· core
- MilestoneSustains visual attention brieflyMind· 1mo–4mo· stretch
- MilestoneReacts to disappearanceMind· 0mo–11mo· core· Step 4
- MilestoneFinds a visibly hidden objectMind· 7mo–14mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneSearches for disappeared objectMind· 6mo–12mo· core· Step 4
- MilestoneReaches for nearby objectsBody· 4mo–11mo· stretch· Step 1
What it practices
- Notices changes in number of objects/images or sounds in group of up to 3.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Develops an awareness of number names through their enjoyment of action rhymes and songs that relate to their experience of numbers.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Has some understanding that things exist, even when out of sight.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Create a mobile, occasionally changing the number of items you hang on it.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)