know the voices and faces of the people who look after me
enjoy looking at your face
show I am excited when I expect something good is going to happen, like bath time
copy faces
make noises like –
gurgle
coo
shout
squeal
cry and let you know whether I am happy or sad
You can help my talking by
watching me to see what I am interested in and telling me what it is
telling me what you are doing and where we are going
pausing and listening to my noises and sounds when I reply
copying my noises and waiting for me to answer back with more
using an interesting voice and face to encourage me to listen
Activities we can share together
looking at picture books and simple stories
singing songs and rhymes with lots of actions in them so I can join in
playing games like –
‘peek-a-boo’
‘pat-a-cake’
‘round and round the garden’
‘this little piggy’
playing with rattles so I can listen when the noise stops and starts
copying each other clapping and waving
outdoor activities which you can talk to me about, for instance –
hanging out the washing
going to the shops
getting on the bus
Things to remember
children learn from adults. Have a special time every day to enjoy playing and talking together
houses are noisy places. Reduce the amount of noise by turning off the TV or radio. It is easier for children to listen without the extra noise
looking at each other will help your child understand how important talking is. Sit so that your child can see your face
too much dummy sucking can reduce the amount of talking your child does and may cause difficulties in speaking. Cut down the amount of time your child has a dummy
your child needs you to talk with them throughout the day. Everyday jobs and routines can be a time to talk with your child like meal times, getting dressed and undressed, bath time, going for a walk, going to the shops, on the bus or in the car
