0mo–11mo9 minQuiet timeMealtimeFamily time
You Lead, I Echo
A responsive ‘serve-and-return’ interaction where you repeat your child’s vocalisations and mirror movements to show attentive listening and strengthen connection.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a comfortable place to sit with your child safely supported
Nice to have
- a soft muslin cloth for gentle movement mirroring
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
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· core
- MilestoneVocalizes back during interactionHeart· 2mo–8mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneBids to keep adult attentionHeart· 3mo–5mo· stretch
- MilestoneTakes turns making soundsHeart· 4mo–8mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestonePlays simple back-and-forth gamesHeart· 6mo–14mo· stretch· Step 2
What it practices
- Responds when talked to, for example, moves arms and legs, changes facial expression, moves body and makes mouth movements.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Gazes at faces and copies facial movements. e.g. sticking out tongue, opening mouth and widening eyes.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Enjoys the company of others and seeks contact with others from birth.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Recognises and is most responsive to main carer’s voice: face brightens, activity increases when familiar carer appears.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Responds to what carer is paying attention to, e.g. following their gaze.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Follow the baby’s lead by repeating vocalisations, mirroring movements and showing the baby that you are ‘listening’ fully.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)