My First Conversations
Here's What To Do
1
At quiet times throughout the day (feeding, dressing, playing, or bathing), help me learn how to have a conversation!
2
When I make a sound or babble, imitate my sound. Then pause and wait for me to make another sound in the 'conversation.'
3
You can also respond to my sounds or babbling with sentences.
4
Keep the conversation going- continue a few rounds of taking turns making sounds back-and-forth.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Get on eye level with me and smile.
E
Engage:
- Try matching my vocalizations, like "ba ba ba" or "eeeeee!"
- Sometimes respond as you would in an adult conversation, like: "Oh yes, tell me more!"
E
Encourage:
- After you've imitated me, wait silently for me to take a turn. You may need to wait for 5-10 seconds, which can feel like a long time!
- Try guessing what I'm babbling about, and put that into words. Like: "Yes, you're splashing the water! Splash splash!"
R
Reflect:
- Did I seem to take turns 'talking' in our 'conversation?'
Not quite ready?
If I'm not returning your sounds with more sounds, keep practicing! I'll learn how to have a 'conversation' over time.
Ready for more?
I'll begin having babbling conversations with more inflection, and may start trying to say words.
As your child masters this skill...
They will have lots of 'conversations' with you using sounds and babbles.