Communication Cues

Observation

Required

WWW.VIRTUALLABSCHOOL.ORG

ACTIVITY ID: 14031

Name

Certifier

Date

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. Share your responses with your trainer, coach or administrator.

Cue	Child's Name & Age	What did you notice?	What did you try? How does the infant or toddler react?
Hungry	Tyler, 10 months	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.
Ready to play	Tyler, 10 months	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	Tyler, 10 months	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, 10 months	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.