The Gift of Language
The word ‘infant’ is derived from the Latin ‘infans’ which means “he
who is unable to speak”. Although babies can not talk, communication
with a baby can begin from day one. Babies communicate through
expressions, noises and body movements and we respond to them in the
same way.
By the end of a baby’s first year she is usually able to verbalize a
few words. Some of these words are recognizable such as mamma and
dada and others are only recognizable by the parents for example ‘da’
for duck.
Teach Your Baby
to Sign
As the months progress more and more recognizable words are added to
your baby’s vocabulary. Your baby will be able to understand much of
what you say but will not be able to express herself back to you.
This is frustrating and the reason behind much of the crying,
screaming and tantrums that are experienced during the toddler years.
Reading to your baby and providing him with a love of books is an
important aspect of developing language. From about 3 months of age
you can start exploring books with your baby. Spend a few minutes
each day cuddling up with him and reading. He can participate by
turning pages and pointing to pictures that you describe. As your
baby grows he will be able to turn pages on his own, recognize
pictures and eventually words. You may even find him reading alone
during play time.
Talking to your baby about what she is doing or playing with and
talking about what you are doing is also an important aspect of
developing language. When you are in the kitchen cooking, talk about
the ingredients and procedure you are following. When you are out
walking, stop and talk about a beautiful flower or a cute dog that you
pass. When sitting with your baby focus on what she is playing with
and describe it. When playing with stacking cups you could say “you
are making a loud noise banging those cups together. This is the
green cup and this is the red cup.” Your baby is constantly learning
by what you say so make sure what you describe is simple, clear and
relevant.
By 2 ½ years old many children are able to communicate clearly.
Before this age children can find communicating extremely frustrating
and spend much energy pointing, grunting, screaming and crying to get
what they want. Even though babies do not have the skills to talk,
from about 6 months of age babies can learn how to
communicate through signs. From the age of 6 months of you can teach
your baby
sign language.
Baby sign language has shown to decrease tantrums and crying in young
babies and help babies talk sooner.
The gift of language is something that is continually given to babies
by parents and carers. Reading, talking and signing are all important
aspects to develop the important skills of language for your baby.
Recommended Baby
Signing Products:
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Baby Sign Language,
Baby Gifts and Baby
Shower Ideas
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