The cues that infants and toddlers give can help you understand what they are trying to communicate, and how to respond. All young children are different and will develop their own ways to communicate their needs and wants. To help you further recognize cues, use this handout and write down what you notice about the infants and toddlers in your care. Then think about the different ways that infants and toddlers communicate, and the ways you can respond to them to let them that know you understand what their communication efforts mean and will help them to meet their wants and needs.

Cue 你注意到什么? What did you try? How does the infant or toddler react?
Hungry

At 10:45am, Tyler chewed his fingers and started to cry

I moved towards the kitchen area and held up a bottle. Tyler put his arms up to be picked up.

准备玩

Tyler pulled a pacifier out of his mouth and moved it toward my face.

I said, “Oh thank you!” and leaned towards the pacifier, he laughed and pulled it away.

Sleepy/Tired

During play time, Tyler laid his head on the floor. He rubbed his eyes and started babbling.

I brought Tyler his pacifier and rocked him. He fell right asleep.

I need a break from what I’m (we’re) doing

Tyler arched his back in the highchair and started pushing food around on the tray. He made little cries.

I took him out of the highchair and started cleaning him up. He stopped crying.