Follow the Leader SoundsMaterials: None
Age: 3 months+ This activity will encourage the practice of language skills. When the child is paying attention to you chant a little sound that you know the child makes like "da-da". See if the child repeats you. As they get older you can point to certain body parts and say what that body part is. Then as they develop more you can do a whole game of Simon says. |
Where's Mommy?Materials: Familiar person, toy, or pet
Age: 6 months+ This activity demonstrates understanding and strengthens social ties. When you have several objects, family, or pets in the room with names ask the child "Where's Mommy?" The child will either look or they will point to the person or object. As they get older you can do this with photographs of the familiar faces. Then you can have them point to mommy and daddy. Then continue to make the questions more complex like "where is that noise coming from?" You should do this at various times when different, familiar individuals are present. They will get really excited and will continue the game if you clap and hooray. |
Talking on the PhoneMaterials: Toy Phone
Age: 10 months+ Playing this game can help children who have separation issues and acknowledges that the child misses so and so. You can help the child pretend to call mommy and/or other important people. You can pretend to make the phone ring saying mommy is calling and wants to talk to you. You can use two phones, and you the caregiver can supply the conversation of mommy. Overtime the child's sounds and speech will become more complex with even more sounds. |