Vowel sounds, exclamations, and sound effects are in the group of early developing speech sounds. Infant play in the beauty of Fall’s colour has no match for motivation and natural appeal.
Oohs, ahs & a healthy dose of joint attention
As you walk, stroll, or sit outside with your infant, let your inner thoughts flow loudly with “ahhh”, “oooohhh”, and “ohhhhhhh”. As your little one coos along, or older infants take turns oohing and ahhhing, give lots of eye contact, smiles, and guide baby’s gaze to the sights by pointing and showing.
The wonder of flying leaves
As the leaves start to fall, the mighty piles will surely be fun for baby. Exclamations of “whee!” are practically automatic as parents toss armfuls into the air. Back and forth giggles, exclamations and vocalizations are fabulous for conversational play, sound play, and developing joint attention.
Follow your baby’s lead too…imitate the sounds that they babble. Babies will delight in a back-and-forth game of googly talk, especially when you respond to their inititations.
Ready….set….Go!
Speech-language pathologists love routines. Repetitive routines that might drive non S-LP adults straight to boredom. We love repetitive routines because babies and children love them too. Routines are predictable, safe, and super fun for children, especially when they have an element of surprise or anticipation. Think of Peek-A-Boo, Row Row Row Your Boat, and the best of all: Ready, Set, Go!
Some fun games with Fall leaves that come to mind include:
• Toss the Leaves
• Make a nest
• Ticklefest!
• Roll in the leaves
• Pass the leaves
• Dump the leaves (after collecting them in a bucket)
• Hide the __ (pick a ball or other favourite toy to hide and find in a pile of leaves)
Hoping you enjoy the beauty of Fall, bond with baby, and have fun with your baby’s earliest sounds and words over the next few months.
Talk soon,
Julie
