Babababa!
Here's What To Do
During daily activities, play a consonant sound game. Make these sounds in a very exaggerated way, and see if I'll copy you:
- "ba"
- "da"
- "ma"
- "pa"
Whenever I babble, talk back to me as if I was using real words. This helps me learn that my sounds are important!
When we play together, try repeating words that have these consonant sounds. For example, if I'm hitting blocks together, you could say "bang bang bang."
Provide a variety of teething toys for me to put in my mouth. This helps me learn how to use my mouth and tongue in different ways.
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Place me in a position so I can easily see your face. This activity could be done in a "tummy time" position, to help me build my muscle strength at the same time.
Engage:
- "Ma! Ma! Can you make the 'ma' sound?"
- "Dadadada! I can make that sound too!"
Encourage:
- If I do not use consonants when I vocalize, encourage "b" or "m" sounds by gently closing and opening my lips when I'm making noise. This will help me learn to make those sounds.
- If I use a pacifier, make sure I have a lot of awake time without the pacifier. This helps me practice how to use my tongue, lips, and jaw to make different sounds.
Reflect:
- Have you heard me make any consonant noises when I babble?
Not quite ready?
If I'm not making consonant sounds yet, keep practicing! I will learn how very soon!.
Ready for more?
Encourage your child to shorten babbles like "bababababa" into two-syllable sounds like "baba." This is more difficult because it takes more muscle control.
As your child masters this skill...
They will begin to string together consonant-vowel sounds like "babababa."