Do What I Do

1. 1

   When your baby uses a movement or sound with you, they are reaching out in their own way. Turn that moment into an imitation game.

2. 2

   Play familiar music. When your baby hums, sways, or moves, copy the sound or action exactly and join their play.

3. 3

   If they suddenly change the rhythm or movement, change with them so they can see that their action affects what you do.

4. 4

   After the two of you have matched for a while, add one simple new movement and pause for your baby to imitate.

5. 5

   This back-and-forth lets your baby experience starting an interaction, influencing another person, and doing something together.

What to notice

• Keeps making the movement after watching you copy it Sense of Identity and Belonging
• Recalls a movement you modeled earlier and uses it while dancing to the music Imitation and Symbolic Representation and Play

Tips

• When you join your baby and copy the movements, they feel that their actions are seen and valued. That response can encourage them to keep exploring what their body can do.

Developmental benefits

• Social/Emotional: Responsive imitation gives your baby repeated experience that their actions affect another person and that the two of you are connected partners.