In The Press
Reference points
Adults' facial expressions have a strong impact on very young children learning about social relationships. Anne O'Connor explains social referencing and why early years workers need to understand it. Photographs courtesy of Siren Films from The Wonder Year.
Lets Pretend
Tuning in to children's imaginative play will encourage language development, says Anne O'Connor. Photographs courtesy of Siren Films.
Talk Talk
Discussing shared experiences with a key carer is a valuable way for a child to build their speech skills, says Anne O'Connor. Photographs courtesy of Siren Films.
Office Work
A different way of observing children in role play challenges what practitioners offer in the learning environment, says Anne O'Connor. Photographs courtesy of Siren Films from Pretend Play.
Talking to Myself
The private talk a child engages in while playing is a tool in their language development, with a lot to tell practitioners, says Anne O'Connor. Photographs courtesy of Siren Films from Firm Foundations for Early Literacy.
At the Double
Assumptions about twins need to be challenged, says Anne O'Connor. Photographs courtesy of Siren Films from Communicating & Socialising.
In a Spin
Simple physical play with a child's carer can stimulate a function that is linked fundamentally to language and sensory development, says Anne O'Connor. Photographs courtesy of Siren Films from Toddlers Outdoors.
Master Chefs
Observing the level of involvement that children show in their play can tell you much about their emotional well-being, and about the effectiveness of your provision, says Anne O'Connor.
Going for a Song
Shared singing with a carer with whom a child is securely attached is an important learning resource, says Anne O'Connor
A Sense of Security
Young children can cope with minor stresses and anxieties if they feel secure in their relationship with their carer, as Anne O'Connor explains.
Who's Calling?
A pretend telephone communication can demonstrate a very young child's grasp of speaking languages, imitating adult reality and being held in mind, as Anne O'Connor explains.
You're Joking!
A young child's delight in fooling or teasing an adult tells us a lot about what they know and helps them progress in making sense of their world, as Anne O'Connor demonstrates with this example.
On the Ball
A simple running game brings both physical and emotional growth for a toddler, says Anne O'Connor
Play Mates
A simple interaction shows symbolic play and social interaction between toddlers, says Anne O'Connor.
Happy Meals
For toddlers, mealtimes are a chance to show off their communication and physical skills and to learn new ones, but creating a relaxed environment is vital, says Anne O'Connor. Photographs courtesy of Siren Films.
Go With the Flow
The characteristics of true free-flow play are observed by Anne O'Connor. Photographs courtesy of Siren Films.
Bye Bye
Starting daycare away from home can be a daunting experience for a young child - and their parent. Anne O'Connor looks at the case of two-year-old Ava and considers how settings can take the tension out of settling in at nursery. Photographs courtesy of siren films.
In Line
In a safe environment where they feel secure, even very small children can enjoy constructive problem-solving and concentrate for surprising amounts of time, says Anne O'Connor Photographs. courtesy of Siren Films.
When Friends Fall Out
While children will squabble from time to time, they are usually practising negotiating techniques. The skill for adults is to know when to step in or step back and let them get on with it, explains Anne O'Connor. Photographs courtesy of Siren Films.
Peek a Boo
Two-way exchanges between babies and adults help build up language and brain development. Anne O'Connor considers how practitioners can create more opportunities for them. Photographs courtesy of Siren Films
Pretty in Pink
Seeing a young boy do something considered feminine provokes some extended thinking about traditional gender roles and stereotypes. Anne O'Connor explores the issues in practice. Photographs courtesy of siren films.
Time to Talk
Young children can acquire more than language without detriment to learning English and will enjoy greater self-esteem if carers outside the home respect their mother tongue. Anne O'Connor explains. Photographs courtesy of Siren Films.
Read with Me
Sharing a book creates a partnership between a young child and their carer that will promote their attention, social awareness and a habit of reading for pleasure. Anne O'Connor shows why. Photographs courtesy of Siren Films.
Hide Away
Building dens is a natural and important pastime in children's social and emotional development. Anne O'Connor explores how adults can support this form of play while respecting children's need for privacy. Photographs courtesy of siren films.
In a Nut Shell
Collections of natural objects offer children rich sensory experiences and are a great way to nourish their brains, says Anne O'Connor. Photographs courtesy of Siren Films
