Try to “tune in” to the different messages young babies are attempting to convey, and respond.
Look out for patterns of communications they use to invite you into encounters. This might include being playful or physical movements and utterances. Bringing you toys, or holding out objects to you may indicate that they want to “talk”.
Share the fun of discovery and value babies’ attempts at words, e.g., by picking up a doll in response to baba.
When babies try to say a word, repeat it back so they can hear the name of the object clearly.
Find out from parents the greetings they use in English and in languages other than English, and use them in the setting.
Recognise and equally value all languages spoken and written by parents, practitioners and children.
