Happy November!
This week in our infant class, we’re beginning to see the sweetest signs of friendship. Leslie and I have been delighted to watch as the babies have started to notice and enjoy each other’s company — reaching out to touch a friend’s hand, watching one another play, and smiling or babbling in response. Even at this young age, these early connections are so important. Social interaction helps babies learn empathy, communication, and awareness of others. It also gives them a sense of belonging and comfort as they begin to understand that they’re part of a little community.
We’re spending time bonding not only with the babies individually, but also as a group. Consistency with caregivers, routines, and familiar faces helps each child feel secure and confident to explore and engage. We’re practicing working together in small ways — waiting for a turn, watching a friend’s movement, or listening during a song — learning what it means to share space and connect with others.
We’ve also been practicing name recognition by pointing to each friend and saying their names, as well as pointing to the babies’ reflections in the mirror and identifying them. It’s such a joy watching them light up as they begin to recognize familiar faces, both their own and their friends’.
We love these little ones so much and feel so lucky to watch them grow, change, and discover new things each week.
-Morah Kenzie and Morah Leslie