Your child learns best from what you say and do, so read everything you can out loud. Read signs outside, recipes, or ads in a paper or magazine. Be sure to point at what you’re reading too. Do they imitate any of your words or sounds? Do they point, too? Go back and forth with… Continue reading Read Everything Out Loud
Category: 6 Loving Habits
Describe what your child is looking at
What is your child looking at? Follow their lead and chat about what they see. “Yes, those are my shoes. And that is my hat. Do you want to try on my shoes and hat? I’ll help you!” Take turns! “Can you put my hat on my head? Now try your head. Look it is too big!”
Describe “dat”
Does your child point and say “dat”? Ask them, “What do you want?” Have them lead you to what they’re pointing at. When you find it, you can say, “That’s a spoon!” or “That’s the light switch!”
Talk About Emotions
When you’re getting ready to go out, talk about what you’re doing and how your child might be feeling. Maybe you could say, “We’re getting ready to go to the store. You’re wriggling and have a smile on your face. You seem excited. Let’s go and see what we find there.” How do they respond?… Continue reading Talk About Emotions
Narrate Your Day
Even if your child doesn’t seem to understand, tell them everything you’re doing as you get them ready in the morning. Start with how you picked their clothes and go from there. Make eye contact and respond back to the sounds they make.
Sock Game
When you‘re folding laundry, take long socks and dangle them above your child’s head. Encourage them to try and capture the toes of the socks! As they move their arms up and down to reach the socks, you can say, “Up!” and “Down!” to describe their actions.
Find Baby’s Favorite Tune
When your child seems fussy, try singing a rhyme or a song. Do they calm down when your voice is quiet, or do they respond to big facial expressions and an enthusiastic voice? Try different rhymes and songs to find their favorites.
Who’s That Baby
Hold a mirror up to your child’s face and ask, “Who’s that baby?” Then say their name. Pull the mirror away and watch them. Do they smile? Wave their hands and feet? Do they reach out for the mirror? Comment on what they’re telling you with their actions.
Counting Steps
When you’re outside, try playing this game with your child. Give them a place to stand and have them estimate how many steps they are from you. When they walk back, count their steps together aloud. Try all different distances!
Seasons Conversation
Walking somewhere today? Talk to your child about the seasons. Is it cold or warm? What clues do you see that tell you what season it is? Snow? Flowers? Colorful Leaves?