0mo–11mo9 minQuiet timeFamily timeReading
Shiny, Book, Mirror: Follow the Interest
A short, sensory attention routine where you offers one stimulating object at a time (a shiny bell, a book, a mirror), talks about it briefly, and pauses so your child can attend, locate sounds, and respond to voices and faces.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a shiny bell (or any safe jingly object with no loose parts)
- a simple board book or picture book
- a baby-safe mirror (or a household mirror held securely by an adult)
Nice to have
- a soft blanket or cushion for comfy sitting
- a timer or phone (to keep it to a few minutes)
- a second simple object your child already likes (e.g., a rattle or soft toy)
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
- MilestoneSustains visual attention brieflyMind· 1mo–4mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneTurns toward and locates a soundMind· 1mo–11mo· core
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· core· Steps 3, 4
- MilestoneMirror interestHeart· 4mo–8mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneAlerts or calms to speechMind· 0mo–4mo· core
- MilestoneResponds emotionally to othersHeart· 1mo–13mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneLooks at a speaking caregiverMind· 1mo–6mo· core
- MilestoneReaches for nearby objectsBody· 4mo–11mo· stretch· Step 1
What it practices
- Quietens or alerts to the sound of speech.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- 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
- Listens to, distinguishes and responds to intonations and sounds of voices.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
- “Provide resources that stimulate babies’ interests such as a shiny bell, a book or a mirror.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)