UoM Child Study Centre

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UoM Child Study Centre

At the Child Study Centre we study how children learn to talk, play and make friends.

If you are interested in child development and have children aged 0-10, join our database here: https://www.qualtrics.manchester.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_eb7dORdBauqGgSy

24/08/2026

Monday Methods: Observation 🧐

Sometimes the simplest research method is to watch and listen.

Observation helps researchers understand how children play, communicate, solve problems, and interact with others in everyday situations.

✅ Natural ✅ Child-friendly ✅ Helps us see behaviour in real time

Children often see observation studies as just another part of play!

21/08/2026

✨Friday Fact ✨
Ever noticed your child looking at you before trying something new? 👀

This is called social referencing. Babies and young children use adults' facial expressions and reactions as important clues about how to respond to unfamiliar situations.

Every smile, look of excitement, and reassuring expression helps children learn about the world. 💛

17/08/2026

Monday Methods: Eye Tracking 👀

Eye tracking helps researchers see what children are looking at and for how long.

Using a special camera, we can learn what catches a child's attention while they watch images, videos, or play simple games.

✅ Safe ✅ Non-contact ✅ Child-friendly

Most children simply see it as watching and playing!

14/08/2026

✨Friday Fact ✨
Babies are learning about the people around them from their very first months of life. Researchers use EEG to explore how babies' brains process familiar and unfamiliar faces, helping us better understand early social development. 🧠👶

10/08/2026

Monday Methods: EEG🧠

This little cap helps researchers learn how babies' brains respond to the world around them.

✨ It doesn't hurt. ✨ It doesn't give off any signals. ✨ It's just measuring the brain's natural activity.

As you can see, many babies are perfectly happy wearing it while they play and explore!

07/08/2026

✨ Friday Fact ✨ 🧠 | Nature vs Nurture Series

For the final week of our Nature vs Nurture series, we're exploring Attachment Theory, developed by John Bowlby.

This theory suggests that secure relationships with caregivers support children's social and emotional development. When children feel safe, supported, and understood, they may be more confident exploring the world around them.

❤️ Attachment isn't just about parents. Children can form healthy attachments with a range of important adults, including grandparents, siblings, and early years practitioners.

✨ This idea is reflected in the EYFS Key Person approach, which recognises the importance of consistent, supportive relationships for children's wellbeing and learning.

As with all the theories in this series, this is just one perspective. Most researchers agree that children's development is shaped by a combination of both nature 🧬 and nurture 🏡.

04/08/2026

🌟Tuesday Tip 🌟 Make walks more engaging!

Looking for a free summer holiday activity? A simple walk can become an exciting adventure with a little imagination.

Try a colour hunt, count things you see along the way, listen for different sounds, or become nature detectives together. These small activities can help keep children engaged while encouraging curiosity about the world around them.

What is your child's favourite thing to spot on a walk? 👇

31/07/2026

✨Friday Fact ✨ | Nature vs Nurture Series

This week we're exploring Humanist Theory, developed by Abraham Maslow.

Maslow suggested that children's basic needs - such as food, sleep, safety, and loving relationships - provide the foundation for learning and development.

This idea is reflected in the EYFS, which recognises that children learn best when they are healthy, safe, secure, and supported by positive relationships.

While this theory places a strong emphasis on children's experiences and environment (nurture), development is influenced by both nature 🧬 and nurture 🏡.

29/07/2026

☀️ Looking for free family activities this summer? We've got you covered!

If you're running out of ideas to keep little ones entertained over the holidays, here are some fantastic family-friendly events taking place across Manchester in the coming weeks:

🚒 Emergency Services Day at Trafford Centre (6 August)
Meet local emergency service teams, explore their vehicles, and learn more about the important work they do in our communities. A great day out for children who dream of being firefighters, police officers, or paramedics!

🎉 National Play Day (5 August)
Celebrate the power of play with free events happening across Manchester. Expect outdoor games, family activities, creative play opportunities, and plenty of chances to get active and have fun together.
🔗 https://loadstodo.co.uk/guides/play-day/

🦁 Summer Safari at Printworks
Step into a jungle-themed adventure with immersive video displays on Europe's largest digital ceiling, plus a giant sandpit where children can dig, build, and play.

🎨 Fun Starts Fridays at Great Northern
Every Friday brings free activities for little ones, including crafts, games, entertainment, and hands-on fun designed especially for younger children and their families.
🔗 https://thegreatnorthern.com/event/fun-starts-fridays-return-to-little-northerners/

📚 Summer at Manchester Central Library
From storytime sessions and LEGO building challenges to arts and crafts activities, there's something for children of all ages throughout the holidays.
🔗 https://librarylive.co.uk/whats-on/

💬 Do you know of any other free family activities happening across Greater Manchester this summer? Share them in the comments to help other local families discover something new!

☀️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

28/07/2026

🌟 Tuesday Tip 🌟
Screen-Free Boredom Busters

When children say they're bored, it can be tempting to reach for a screen. But boredom can also be an opportunity for creativity, problem-solving, and imaginative play.

Next time boredom strikes, try one of these simple activities using things you probably already have at home.

✨ Which screen-free activity is a favourite in your house?

Address

School Of Psychological Sciences, University Of Manchester, Coupland Building 1, Coupland Street
Manchester
M139PL

Website

https://sites.manchester.ac.uk/child-study-centre/

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