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<\/a><\/p>\nHere are 5 things you can do starting at BIRTH to help promote speech\/language development in your child!<\/p>\n
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- Use Motherese \u2013 Motherese is language that is simple, repetitive, rhythmic and often spoken in a high pitch and at a slower rate.\u00a0 We often use motherese instinctively when we use \u201cbaby talk\u201d with our children.<\/li>\n
- Watch for your child\u2019s early communication milestones \u2013 even right at birth we can start to notice our babies trying to communicate.\u00a0 Crying, cooing, smiling and eye contact are all part of the early states of communication.\u00a0 Watch for these milestones so you can start to learn what your baby is trying to tell you.<\/li>\n
- Talk to your baby \u2013 it may seem silly to talk to someone who can\u2019t talk back.\u00a0 However, your child is hearing and learning language right from the start! Don\u2019t be afraid to talk through your day and \u201cnarrate\u201d what you\u2019re doing for your baby.<\/li>\n
- Respond to your child\u2019s communication attempts \u2013 if your baby says \u201ccoo\u201d and \u201cgoo\u201d to you, say \u201ccoo\u201d and \u201cgoo\u201d back!\u00a0 When your baby hears you respond it will encourage more \u201ctalking\u201d and will let your baby know he is being heard!<\/li>\n
- Sing! \u2013 It\u2019s time to break out all of those repetitive children\u2019s songs you remember from when you were little.\u00a0 The Itsy Bitsy Spider, If You\u2019re Happy and You Know it, etc..\u00a0 These simple and engaging songs will draw your child in and promote language through song.<\/li>\n
- Get silly! \u2013 Don\u2019t be afraid to let lose.\u00a0 Make noises, sing songs, make silly faces \u2013 these things will draw your baby to watch you and your face and will promote communication.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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I hope these tips help you think about ways to engage with your infant and promote speech\/language development starting at birth!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I recently gave birth to my second child and it has given me the opportunity to relive the stages of language development first hand!\u00a0 I remember when my daughter was born it was so nice to be able to see all the milestones I had read about in my speech\/language development classes and I\u2019m so … Continue reading