Boost Your Stars™
with TRS: Look-For and Say-This Guides
Pick the age group you teach. Read what to look for in your own interactions, try the words that go with it, and tap when you've tried it today.
Birth to 12 months: your face, voice, and quick response are the curriculum.
Warm connection
Look for
- Eye contact and smiles during diaper changes and feedings
- Mirroring a baby's coos and expressions
Say this
“Good morning, Maya! I'm so glad you're here.”
“I see you. I'm right here.”
See it in action
Ms. Lee kneels at the changing table, holds Maya's gaze, and smiles when Maya coos. She coos back and waits. Maya coos again. That is a conversation.
Talk and language
Look for
- Narrating routines as they happen
- Pausing so baby can answer with a sound
Say this
“Now I'm warming your bottle. Warm and ready!”
“You said ba! Tell me more.”
See it in action
At lunch, Mr. Ray says, 'Banana, mashed and soft,' as he lifts the spoon. Eli squeals, and Mr. Ray answers, 'Yes, you want more!'
Responsive care
Look for
- Responding quickly and calmly to cries
- Reading cues for hungry, tired, or overstimulated
Say this
“You sound tired. Let's get cozy.”
“I hear you. I'm coming.”
See it in action
Noah starts rubbing his eyes and fussing. Ms. Ana notices the tired cue, scoops him up, and heads to the crib before the cry builds.
Gentle guidance
Look for
- Redirecting with a calm voice and a safe choice
- Using gentle touch to show what to do
Say this
“Hands are for soft touches. Let's try it together.”
“That's not safe for your mouth. Here's a teether.”
See it in action
Zoe grabs a friend's hair. Ms. Kim gently opens Zoe's hand and says, 'Soft touches,' then strokes Zoe's own hair to show how.
Play and exploration
Look for
- Floor time with you at baby's level
- Offering safe objects to reach, grasp, and mouth
Say this
“You found the rattle! Shake, shake.”
“Look at you reaching. You can do it.”
See it in action
Ms. Tia lies on the floor with Leo and sets a scarf just out of reach. Leo stretches, grabs it, and Ms. Tia cheers, 'You got it!'
Routines and transitions
Look for
- Telling baby what is coming before you pick them up
- Keeping routines predictable and unhurried
Say this
“I'm going to pick you up now. Up we go!”
“Nap time is next. Let's get your blanket.”
See it in action
Before a diaper change, Mr. Sam says, 'Time to change your diaper. I'm going to lift you now,' and waits for Ari to look at him.
Soothing and comfort
Look for
- Holding, rocking, and using a soft voice
- Learning each baby's favorite way to calm down
Say this
“You like it when I rock slowly. Shh, I've got you.”
“I'm staying right here with you.”
See it in action
Lila cries after drop-off. Ms. Jo holds her, sways, hums the song Lila's mom shared, and keeps her voice calm until Lila settles.
Families and belonging
Look for
- Sharing small daily moments with families
- Using each family's words, songs, and routines
Say this
“Maya smiled big at the mobile today!”
“What song does she love at home?”
See it in action
At pickup, Ms. Rae tells Dad, 'Jay laughed out loud at the water play today,' and asks which songs Jay loves at home.