0–11
months
8–20
months
ICT
What do I need to do?
Provide a range of toys and gadgets that have
some embedded technology, for example a book
which produces sounds.
Provide toys that have knobs, handles and buttons
to help babies and toddlers learn about cause and
effect, for example a jack in the box.
Talk about turning things on or off.
Show babies and toddlers what you are doing
as you switch on a light or press a doorbell. If
appropriate, allow toddlers to help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should we be trying to interest this age range in
computers?
Definitely not! There is some speculation that
the flickering of monitors including television
screens might be damaging for the developing
brain. This aspect is about interesting babies and
toddlers in gadgets.
We have many toys with sounds and lights. Will
these be sufficient?
Yes, although if you spot other things which will
interest babies and toddlers, use them as well.
Will this not just encourage babies and toddlers
to fiddle with electrical gadgets?
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Most babies and toddlers will be interested with
knobs and buttons anyway. This means that
safety devices should always be used to prevent
accidents. This aspect of learning helps babies
and toddlers to explore safely.
Knowledge and Understanding of the World
Blowing bubbles 0–11 months
Babies are fascinated with bubbles. While it is possible to buy a machine to produce bubbles, you can
use an ordinary tube of bubbles.
Babies will learn that it is the hand movements that you are doing which mean that bubbles will
follow. Watch out for babies who try and catch hold of your hand. Note that you should be careful not
to blow bubbles directly into a baby’s eyes.
Observation
Planning
Does the baby follow the bubbles with
their eyes?
What other activities could help the
baby to follow objects?
Does the baby try and reach for the
bubbles?
Plan other activities to help develop
the baby’s grasping action, for
example a baby gym.
Pop-up toys 0-11
months
Put a pot of bubbles on a high surface so that you can reach it but other babies cannot. Pick up the
baby and with your free hand, dip the wand into the bubble mixture. Blow through the wand slowly,
away from the baby’s face. Point out the bubbles to the baby. Allow the baby to watch the bubbles
float downwards and disappear.
8–20 months
Look out for a range of toys that ‘pop up’ when a button is pushed or a knob is turned. The aim is for
babies and toddlers to learn about cause and effect. These types of toys also strengthen fine motor
control.
Sit with a baby or toddler and help them to play with the pop-up toys. They may at first be unfamiliar
with what they need to do. It is important to choose toys that are challenging but at the same time do
not cause the baby or toddler to become frustrated.
Planning
Did the child work out how to make
the toy work or did the child learn from
your actions?
Does the baby or toddler need an
easier or more challenging toy?
Which of the actions seemed to
fascinate the child?
Find other toys that have similar
actions, for example knobs, slide
buttons or lift-up flaps.
8-20
months
Observation
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