0mo–11mo7 minQuiet timeFamily time
Name & Pause: Eye-Contact Turn-Taking
A calm face-to-face micro-game where you says your child’s name, makes eye contact, and waits—supporting listening, attention, and early back-and-forth interaction.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a calm, safe place to be face-to-face (your lap, floor mat, or cot with supervision)
- your voice and attention
Nice to have
- a soft blanket or cushion for comfort
- a gentle light source so your child can see your face clearly
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 to own nameMind· 6mo–10mo· core
- MilestonePlays simple back-and-forth gamesHeart· 6mo–14mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneLooks at a speaking caregiverMind· 1mo–6mo· core
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneAlerts or calms to speechMind· 0mo–4mo· stretch
- MilestoneVocalizes back during interactionHeart· 2mo–8mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneReciprocal social smileHeart· 1mo–4mo· stretch· Step 2
What it practices
- Looks intently at a person talking, but stops responding if speaker turns away.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Reacts in interaction with others by smiling, looking and moving.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Quietens or alerts to the sound of speech.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)
- Original guidance
- “Look at the baby and say their name. Make eye contact and wait for them to react.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)