0mo–11mo7 minQuiet timeFamily time
Repeat-and-Respond Sound Loop
A simple repeated-sounds routine where the adult repeats short sound patterns and pauses, helping babies begin to recognise particular sounds and participate in early turn-taking.
What you'll need
Essentials
- your voice and face
Nice to have
- a soft cloth for gentle touch
- a simple rattle or safe household sound-maker (optional, used quietly)
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
- MilestoneAnticipates repeated sounds, sights and actions, e.g. when an adult demonstrates an action toy several times.Mind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestonePlays simple back-and-forth gamesHeart· 6mo–14mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneVocalizes back during interactionHeart· 2mo–8mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneAlerts or calms to speechMind· 0mo–4mo· core
- MilestoneLooks at a speaking caregiverMind· 1mo–6mo· core
- MilestoneTurns toward and locates a soundMind· 1mo–11mo· stretch
What it practices
- Quietens or alerts to the sound of speech.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Listens to, distinguishes and responds to intonations and sounds of voices.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Reacts in interaction with others by smiling, looking and moving.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Use repeated sounds, and words and phrases so babies can begin to recognise particular sounds.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)