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?

  • Provide opportunities for babies to choose items to play with, for example, treasure basket play.
  • Look for ways of giving babies choices, for example, putting out three different finger foods on the plate so the baby chooses which to have first.
  • Make sure that the key person relationship is strong.
  • Smile and hug babies as this gives them a sense of affirmation.
  • Take time to look into mirrors with babies.


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).


Mirrors (See (1) )

Babies need to develop some sense of self-identity in order to develop self-confidence and self-esteem. A starting point is to find ways of helping babies recognise themselves.

Find a large mirror to take the baby towards. Sit or stand with the baby and point into the mirror. Take your time to let the baby look at the reflection and to explore it. Most babies will want to reach out or touch 'the baby' that they can see in the mirror, although occasionally some babies become distressed. If you decide to buy a mirror for babies and toddlers to look at themselves in, it is important to buy the non-glass ones.


Peek-a-boo (See (2))

This traditional game helps babies to enjoy communicating and to develop self-awareness.

With very young babies, look into their eyes and smile. See if you can elicit a smile from them. Then slowly move your face and see if the baby turns their face too.

With older babies, repeat, but cover your face with your hands slowly. Take your hand away so that you reappear. Start saying 'peek-a-boo' or similar.

These games need repeating many times so that the baby learns to predict what is going to happen.

 

1. Observation

Watch how the baby reacts.

Does the baby anticipate finding you?

Does the baby pull your hands away from your head?

Can the baby push back your hands so that they 'find' you?

Planning

Try partially covering your head with a cloth. See if the baby can remove it and 'find' you

Gently put your hands in front of the baby so that you block their vision.

This is a way in which play can become child-initiated.


2. Observation

Is the baby interested in the reflection in the mirror?

Does the baby seem to recognise your reflection?

Planning

Keep repeating this activity.

Find other mirrors for the baby to look in.

Allow the baby to touch the mirror if it is safe to do so.

Show the baby photographs of you and of the baby.

Take a photograph of the baby looking at their reflection in the mirror.


PRACTICAL EYFS HANDBOOK

This new (second) edition of Penny Tassoni's Practical EYFS Handbook has been fully updated for the revised EYFS and is filled with practical guidance about the changes to the framework and how to implement it.

Included are:

  • a clear and simply explanation of the new regulatory framework
  • over 165 ready-made activities matched to all aspects of the new Prime and Specific areas of learning and development
  • tips for linking assessment to planning for the early learning goals
  • 'Points to Consider', to support and encourage reflective practice, and
  • a new section on essential resources, with cost- saving tips.