The infants have been interested in looking at pictures of themselves and their peers in and around the classroom, looking at their portfolios, family photos and pointing at pictures in the display boards. We created a who’s hiding board with everyone’s photo and a flap over their photo along with their name. As we sit and engage in this activity we are hearing expressive language, as Seb says “That!” asking his educators to label who he has found. When Isla, Teddy and Hudson join in they look at the photo and say their peers’ names when they lift the flap. Macarius is working his fine motor skills and object permanence as he lifts the flap over and over again to make sure the picture is still in the same place. Annika looks at each picture as she lifts the flap, listens for her educators to label who it is and then she tracks them to find them in the classroom. Sierra, Leo and Brayden explore cause and effect exploration as they open and close the flaps, discovering the mechanics. Building a sense of belonging and responsive relationships happens in all sorts of ways.
