Babbling to Reply
Here's What To Do
Throughout the day, encourage me to 'talk' to you. Start the 'conversation' by asking me a simple question.
When I babble, respond to me with real words to show me that I can start a 'conversation' too.
During daily activities, describe what I'm doing, looking at, playing with, or feeling.
When you ask a question, describe my activities, or respond to a babble, make sure to pause after you speak. This invites me to respond with my babble sounds.
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Give me a big hug before we have a 'conversation.'
Engage:
- Ask me simple questions like: "How are you?," "What's that?," and "What are you doing?"
- When I babble to you, reply to me in words. Like: "Oh really? Tell me more!"
Encourage:
- Try to wait patiently after you ask me a question. I may take some time to respond with a babble, or I might respond with a movement instead.
- If I'm not in the mood to sustain a 'conversation,' don't push me. We can try again later.
Reflect:
- Do I try to have a back and forth babble 'conversation' with you?
Not quite ready?
Continue prompting me to babble and responding to my babbles. Over time, I'll learn how to keep the 'conversation' going for longer.
Ready for more?
I'll begin trying to say real words in a conversation. If I say a word like "ba" for "ball," respond by expanding the idea. Like: "Ball, that's right, can you hand me the ball?"
As your child masters this skill...
They will engage in a back-and-forth 'conversation' by babbling with an adult.