Baby's First Communication Steps

STEP 3:  Present them with language...

Once you have established a basic communication interaction through play, you can now add more language.  Contrary to what many people say and do, using too many questions to elicit a response from your child may leave both of you frustrated.  It puts demands on the child to "say the right thing", and may have the opposite effect from its intention.  Instead, try to comment.  This involves, identifying your child's focus of attention, imitating their actions/vocal attempts, but adding the appropriate language.  Instead of saying "what does a car sound like?", try "vroom, fast car" and wait for the response.  You have made an appropriate comment, and modeled the correct language.  Your child may then feel at ease to respond with a "vroom".  Thus, you elicited the language you wanted, but in an environment of comfort and reduced demands.  You showed your child what to say in a loving, playful and supportive manner.  It is also important to remember to simplify your language level to match your child's during this phase.  If your child is nonverbal, use 1-2 words, if he/she is using single words, use 2-3, etc.  You want to stay just above your child's number of words.  Use gestures or signs when modeling language.  This gives a visual clue to what the word means.  Often children will use signs prior to verbal speech because it is an easier way to communicate their wants/needs before they can physically coordinate all the muscles involved in producing the word.  This is wonderful because it can alleviate the frustration that many children (and parents) feel when the child is unable to communicate his/her wants and needs.  In addition, it draws attention to the word, and helps a child to learn it.  Remember to use a word along with the sign, so the two are paired together.  Say the target word over and over.  Repetition will help children to learn the words.  (i.e. "Go car.  Fast car.  My car" ...).

Following these simple strategies may seem fairly easy, but putting them into practice can be a skill!  You must abstain from old habits and train new ones.  Any time you are changing a behavior, it takes initial concentration and focus.  But, the effects will hopefully be well worth the effort!