Talk To Your Baby or Child
It is very important to talk to your child. Not in the manner of ‘baby talk,’ but with real words.
Babies can understand what you are saying. Keeping words simple. An example may be:
- Say ‘Bye Bye’ and wave at the same time. The child will quickly learn what you are saying to them.
- Use short simple words; mommy, daddy, cat, dog, bottle, while pointing to the item at the same time.
- When talking to your baby, make sure to have eye contact as this reinforces the trust bond between you.
- Talking to your baby as you change their diaper or give them a bath will help stimulate their learning with words and phrases.
You will begin to notice that while you are talking to your baby they will try to mimic you with their own gurgling sounds. You will have their full attention as in their mind, they are having a conversation with you.
Babies understand what you are saying long before they can talk themselves. Keep your words proper and sentences simple. Maintain eye contact and allow your baby to answer you with their own little coos and gurgles.
It is good to start reading to your baby when you first bring them home. As they get a little older reading and pointing at pictures reinforces not only words but associations with words. “A dog says ruff ruff” and point to the dog. “A cat says meow” and point to the cat. You will notice that your baby will soon be pointing at the pictures and telling you “meow” or “cat.” Use picture books with real pictures of animals, people and things, not cartoons, as real pictures are more pleasing to the eyes of your baby.
When having a conversation with your child you are opening up his world to speech. Take turns talking to each other: ‘Are you ready for your bath now Johnny?’ Your baby may gurgle back at you, at which time you explain in simple phrases what you are doing. ‘Hear the water running? Here comes the washcloth.” Give your child a chance to answer you back. Use facial expressions as you talk to them, you will notice they will try to mimic you.
Explain to your baby everything you are doing. “I’m going to go to work now Johnny. Daddy will stay with you.” Or “I’m making your cereal now” and “yum, yum isn’t that good?” “Let’s get this dirty diaper off of you.” “Doesn’t that feel better having a clean diaper?”
Sing, rhyme, talk and explain everything to your baby. This is how babies learn to talk. When you are talking to your baby, they are processing everything you are saying. Learning through association and repetition is how babies prosper in language. By listening to you speak is how they are going to learn to speak. Repetition is the key ingredient to your baby’s’ language success.
Your child will learn speech quicker through your interactioin with them than through TV
Babies love attention. When you spend quality time together, you are not only teaching him to read and talk, but this quality time with your baby is increasing the bond that will never end. Every time your baby reaches a new milestone such as in saying their first word, praise them. Clap and smile and they will celebrate along with you.
One of the best series of DVDs I have used for the last several years as a Speech Pathologist, is from Signing Times.
It is a series of DVD’s that show children signing, and saying the word and matching it with the object or action. It not only teaches children to learn but also teaches other family members or classmates. I highly recommend this product.