Finger Plays
Songs that involve finger and hand movements encourage eye-hand coordination. They are not only fun but can enhance the fine motor development needed to learn to write.
Archives
Same and Different
Being able to distinguish how objects are the same or are different is an important skill that children will need as they grow. One way to introduce same and different to babies is to talk about their toys.
Move to the Beat
Babies love music and instinctively move to the beat. Using hand motions to music promotes dexterity, builds self-esteem and increases confidence.
Hide and Seek
Play simple games where your baby can discover the “rules” of the game by your positive response. Creating these positive experiences with learning will be important as your baby begins to explore print, letters and words.
You Say… I Say
At this age, your baby is likely beginning to babble and produce a variety of sounds. To build on this stage of language development, encourage your child to echo you as you make some of his most commonly produced sounds.
You Are Too Funny!
The noises that your baby is making at this stage are his attempts at speaking real words. Sometimes, the sounds give you a laugh! Well, let your baby know that you enjoyed his “joke” and that you want him to keep making more sounds, babbles and coos.
It’s Part of the Routine!
At this stage, you are getting your baby used to a series of routines. Reading about and talking about routines help to make them part of your baby’s life.
Delicious Dish
Mealtime is a great time to strike up a conversation with your baby. Explore the five senses as you feed your baby at mealtime.
Sing It, Baby!
Young infants are sensitive to the different sounds of speech. This is one reason babies enjoy songs, rhymes and chants. Since your child is producing a variety of sounds, you can begin to connect these sounds to the songs/chants that she already enjoys!
