Following your child's interests

When talking to your baby – follow their lead. 

Are they showing an interest in a toy or object? Use them in your interactions.

If they're touching their toes, start talking about and playing with them too.

The baby in the photograph was fascinated with the leaves. 

His parents let him play, while chatting about what he was doing.

Around 18 months to 2 years, children may start to demonstrate repeated patterns of behaviours.  

These behaviours are called schemas. They're a natural part of a child’s development. 

By giving your child more opportunities to do the same thing over and over again – you're helping them make connections to how things work in the world around them.

Here are 3 examples of popular schemas:

Kids are fascinated by things that rotate or turn. 

Try objects such as: 

• pull-along toys;
• wheels on a toy car;
• or even salad spinners.
  

Is your little one collecting things in containers or bags?

At least it keeps the place clean.

And you'll know where to look if something goes missing.

You might find your child lining up objects in a row.

From toy cars to chocolates and pencils to fruit.

Even your trainers might end up in an orderly line.

As your children get older, use their interests to engage them in learning. 

For example, if your child is interested in dinosaurs, use toy dinosaurs to count with them. 

Or read books about dinosaurs to hold their interest in a story.

Personal, social and emotional development: building confidence by selecting and engaging in activities that interest them. Demonstrating high levels of involvement during self-chosen activities.

Communication and language: learning new words and beginning to ask questions about things that interest them.

Physical development: using tools to manipulate objects of interest.