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

Subdomain: Developing a Sense of Self

Goal: Children express positive feelings about themselves and confidence in what they can do.

Skill Progression: Expresses and seeks out positive emotions about what they can do

Age: 6-8 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 6-8 Months.

Observe the infant during daily routines and in face-to-face play.

Pick a favorite social game, such as bouncing on the adult’s knee, blowing on the baby’s tummy, or another game the baby likes. Have the adult initiate the game, then stop and wait while looking at the baby expectantly.

The baby moves and/or vocalizes to get the adult to repeat the action and smiles or laughs when successful.

One major goal for babies of this age is to engage adults in social games that result in pleasurable sensory input. Teach early childhood educators and parents the value of social games. The games provide for social exchange, imitation, turn-taking, physical and vocal communication, and understanding cause-and-effect. Parents love to see their child laugh, they may not understand everything else that the child is learning!