SPEECH & LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

Communication is a vital skill that all children need to learn. Without it they will not reach their full potential. It is never too soon to talk to your baby. The more you talk to him he will copy you and will soon learn to talk confidently. By talking to your baby, he will learn to listen, say his noises back to him – he will hear them and copy them. Your baby learns to talk by copying you.

 

Nursery rhymes & songs

Babies and toddlers love songs and nursery rhymes. By using actions (signs and gesture), it makes it easier for children to understand the meaning of words. Nursery Rhymes and songs are also great fun!

 

Books and stories

By looking at picture books together, not just reading to your child, you will encourage them to take a more active part. Let them help you to tell the story by talking about the pictures.

You will be given a Bookstart pack at the six-eight week appointment.

 

Everyday routine

Discussing what you are doing throughout the day is a good way to help your child.

e.g. at bath time talk about parts of the body

at dressing time talk about clothes and colours

 

It’s play time!

Set aside specific times of the day when you and your child can discover things together.  It need not be for long stretches of time, just little and often. Point out noises that go on around you and see if you can copy them together;

e.g. car, hoover, dog, cow

 

While your child is playing, talk through what they are doing, commenting on what she is doing.

Family outings are also an excellent way to encourage language.

 

Remember learning is fun!!

For more information on children’s communication visit Talking Point

For more information on how your child is learning and developing view What to expect, when?

Slough local team