With both big brothers out of the house, Wednesday mornings are Cian’s most relaxing time of the week. As the porridge baths have been such a hit, I’m going to make a point of him having at least one bath a week that is purely for pleasure, rather than necessity.

Resources

  • Baby bath
  • Unused household cleaning utensils: washing up brushes, sponges, cloths, shower puffs and nail brush

Method

Today, we took his bath outside. This was very easy to set up as I used some of his favourite cleaning utensils from his treasure basket. These items are so versatile and get played with daily. Adding them to the bath gave him a different sensory experience.

He was happy and relaxed, often pausing and listening to the birdsong.

During the following video, he spotted the branch. As with anything of interest, he went in for a taste, but I gently removed the leaves from his hand, just before he closed his mouth. He was soon distracted again with his washing up brush.

DfES Outcomes for EYFS (2013)

Communication and language

Listening and attention (8 to 20 months)

• Reacts in interaction with others by smiling, looking and moving.

• Has a strong exploratory impulse.

• Concentrates intently on an object or activity of own choosing for short periods.

• Pays attention to dominant stimulus – easily distracted by noises or other people talking.

Speaking

Speaking (Birth to 11 months)

• Makes own sounds in response when talked to by familiar adults.

• Practises and gradually develops speech sounds (babbling) to communicate with adults; says sounds like ‘baba, nono, gogo’.

Physical development

Moving and handling (Birth to 11 months)

• Turns head in response to sounds and sights.

• Makes movements with arms and legs which gradually become more controlled.

• Reaches out for, touches and begins to hold objects.

• Explores objects with mouth, often picking up an object and holding it to the mouth.

Managing feelings and behaviour (Birth to 11 months)

  • Shows a range of emotions such as pleasure, fear and excitement.

Making relationships (Birth to 11 months)

• Enjoys the company of others and seeks contact with others from birth.

• Responds when talked to, for example, moves arms and legs, changes facial expression, moves body and makes mouth movements.

• Recognises and is most responsive to main carer’s voice: face brightens, activity increases when familiar carer appears.