Rhyme Watch and Join

Responds to a speaking person

Identifies named objects

Understands familiar single words

Plays alongside other children

Orients toward named object

Seeks to gain attention in a variety of ways, drawing others into social interaction.

Builds relationships with special people.

Is wary of unfamiliar people.

Interacts with others and explores new situations when supported by familiar person.

Shows interest in the activities of others and responds differently to children and adults, e.g. may be more interested in watching children than adults or may pay more attention when children talk to them.

Plays alongside others.

Uses a familiar adult as a secure base from which to explore independently in new environments, e.g. ventures away to play and interact with others, but returns for a cuddle or reassurance if becomes anxious.

Has a strong exploratory impulse.

Concentrates intently on an object or activity of own choosing for short periods.

Listens to and enjoys rhythmic patterns in rhymes and stories.

Enjoys rhymes and demonstrates listening by trying to join in with actions or vocalisations.

Understanding of single words in context is developing, e.g. ‘cup’, ‘milk’, ‘daddy’.

Selects familiar objects by name and will go and find objects when asked, or identify objects from a group.

Understands simple sentences (e.g. ‘Throw the ball.’)