When your baby starts trying to use words by asking for things with gestures, looks or babbles, help him find the word by naming whatever he’s asking for. “Oh, you want your truck? Here’s your yellow truck…”
Tips
Cells that fire together, wire together.
Every experience — talking, playing, reading, etc. — excites specific neural circuits in the brain. If these connections are “turned on” consistently, they strengthen and become “hard wired.”
Let your infant know you’re listening.
Whether it’s babbles, cries or goo-goos, repeat the sounds back to her. Smile. When you respond, she’s learning that what she “says” – and communication in general — is important.
Respond to your baby’s gestures, looks and sounds.
When you respond positively to him, he’ll learn than communicating is important and effective.
Bring words to life.
To help your infant connect words with meaning, point to familiar objects and name them out loud. Remember to do it over and over; babies learn through repetition.
Did you know?
Children who don’t hear stories regularly have difficulty making sense of new stories they hear. So keep reading that same book your child enjoys over and over!
Engage your young child in pretend play.
You can talk on a play phone, feed the dolls or have a party with the toy animals. This spurs communication and imagination.
Talk about everything.
Every word you say to your toddler helps build vocabulary.
Reading time is bonding time.
Reading with your child teaches more than literacy and language skills. She is also learning that you value her interests and choices, and that you love her and enjoy being close to her.
Being silly has serious benefits.
Reading to your toddler with funny voices or sounds makes reading fun. So go ahead and growl and howl!
