Domain: NC Foundations for Early Learning: Emotional and Social Development (ESD)

Subdomain: Learning About Feelings

Goal: Children recognize and respond to the needs and feelings of others.

Skill Progression: Recognizes and responds to needs and feelings of others

Age: 2-4 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 2-4 Months.

Observe the child in face-to-face play situations with the adult. Watch the infant’s face when the adult looks up to talk to another or changes her facial expression.

Play face-to-face smiling games with the infant. Then stop smiling and change expression.

The infant’s facial expression changes as the adult’s facial expression changes. The infant makes vocalizations to get re-engagement.

Children and adults both learn to read each other’s cues from facial, body, and vocal expression. If adults do not give clear, readable cues the infant may have a harder time determining affect. Encourage parents to give clear cues with facial expression, vocal intonation, and gestures.