Using photographs to build relationships
Babies begin to build up a picture of themselves right from the start. These pictures that babies and young children build up of themselves are influenced by the responses and reactions of others.
Birth to Three: supporting our youngest children, Scottish Executive/Learning and Teaching Scotland, 2005
Introduction
Building effective relationships is one key feature through which effective support and learning opportunities for very young children can be developed. In this film sequence you will see a group of children sitting with their key worker, looking at photographs of themselves, recalling events and thinking about themselves, their families and friends.
| 'Myself' video | |
|---|---|
| Description | In this video clip young children, in an early years setting, are seen looking through a photograph album and, afterwards, playing with water. |
| Duration | 19 seconds |
| Windows version |  Windows Media video: 'Myself' |
| Mac version |  QuickTime movie: 'Myself' |
| Transcript | Transcript of 'Myself' video clip |
Focus
Using photographs, as shown in the film sequence, can help to build relationships between children, between children and staff and between staff and parents. Photographs can provide a focus for children’s discussion with an adult and with one another and they can support the sharing of information with parents.
Points for reflection
Simple activities such as looking at familiar photographs can help children to feel good about themselves and develop a sense of who they are.
- What characteristics do people working with babies and young children need, if they are to be able to help babies and young children to feel good about themselves?
- How might you provide and support opportunities be provided for children to feel good about themselves and who they are?
- How can the organisation of the environment help children to feel secure and valued?
Birth to Three connections
- Section 2 of Birth to Three: supporting our youngest children
- Section on 'Me, Myself, I' in Birth to Three: supporting relationships, responsive care and respect
- Useful references and reading section of 'Me, Myself, I' in Birth to Three: supporting relationships, responsive care and respect.
Tool tips
Windows Media PlayerTo watch this video you will need the latest version of Windows Media Player installed on your computer. To get the latest player please use the link provided.
Download Windows Media Player
QuickTime PlayerTo watch this video you will need the latest version of QuickTime Player installed on your computer. To get the latest player please use the link provided.
Download QuickTime Player