Nursery World - A Unique Child: Child Development

In this extract from her new Practical EYFS Handbook, Penny Tassoni outlines ways of building confidence and self-awareness in children aged 0-11 months.

What do I need to do?

Question time

On a course I was told that it is important to praise babies. Babies cannot understand the words, so what's the point?

Praise is not so much about the words but about the tone of voice and the facial expression. Babies and toddlers are very good at tuning into both of these - and so by praising them you help them to feel noticed and that adults who are with them approve of them.

Supporting the home learning environment

Talk to parents about the importance of mirrors in helping children to learn to identify themselves. Explain that it takes several months before babies can recognise themselves in a mirror (usually by 15 months).

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