A month in the life of Harry Tobias

As we say farewell to Harry's column, he has started attending pre-school, which he loves, particularly the water tray. In fact, on his first morning a member of staff commented that had there been a snorkel available he probably would have used it!

Harry is developing well. He is sociable, contented, and physically very active. His speech is clear, with an extensive vocabulary, and he adjusts well to most situations. Harry is interested in all he sees, asking questions, experimenting and investigating. He likes to see inside things and help with DIY jobs around the house. He has learned a lot from his older sister, Jasmine, and mostly they play well together. He is also very caring towards baby brother Alfie, ensuring that he has toys and explaining to him what he needs to do.

Harry recently enjoyed a large communal picnic, being very sociable with family members he hadn't met before, joining in ball games, and taking people by the hand to play specifically with him. He tried to use a racket to hit a shuttlecock, but never actually managed to make contact. He clearly enjoyed trying though, laughing as the shuttlecock went over his head every time.

Harry showed his use of initiative by inventing a picnic game of his own, hitting the bottom of empty cups upwards from their nets set in the arms of picnic chairs, and catching the cups. He played this game repeatedly for a long time, happily absorbed.

Following a recent visit to a safari park, Harry showed his understanding and use of description by standing on his toes, stretching up his hands as high as possible to demonstrate that the giraffes were 'this big, Granny'.

He always likes to help and particularly loves an opportunity to go to the fridge, rushing to get items for mummy. Harry demonstrated his mischievous nature recently when he decided to get items just for fun, and learned to crack eggs all by himself - a whole box of them!

Answers to part 28 questions (17 August 2006) 1 Until aged two, children usually cannot kick a ball without falling into it. By two and a half they can usually kick it gently, and kick it with force by their third birthday.

2 Children love the familiarity and security of repetition. Their prior knowledge of an asked-for story enables them to anticipate what happens next and join in when appropriate with pleasure and enthusiasm.

3 Paddling pools are fun for children, but need constant supervision. It is vital that pools and water trays are emptied when not in use and turned upside down so rain water cannot accumulate.

By Sandy Green, an early years consultant and freelance trainer. She is also Harry's grandmother