Talk, Sing, Point with Your Baby
Tips for using the activities below:
- Activities can be done in the language that the parent is most comfortable speaking.
- Words can always be added, the more words, the more that is added to a child’s vocabulary.
- Use your fingers and hands to point to objects when speaking.
- Anything spoken can always be sung as well. Singing adds even more interest for young children.
- Remember all children develop at their own pace! Activities can be modified for all age groups.
1. Talk and point during basic routines:
Changing your child’s diaper is a great time to talk and point! Having your child stabilized on the changing table or the floor gives you a great opportunity to have their sole attention. Talk clearly, use eye contact and show enthusiasm while going through the process.
Explain all the steps you are taking and label the items you are using.
“I am pulling down your pants, these are pants.” (point to the pants)
“I am going to use a wipe to clean you.” (point to the wipe)
“You are all clean now, I am going to get you a diaper.” (point to the diaper)
“I’m going to get your pants, they go on over your feet and legs.” (point to feet and legs)
There are many other things you can talk about while doing a quick 2-minute diaper change. It is a great time to have your child’s full attention!
2. Sing a song with movement and rhymes:
While playing on the floor, waiting in line at the grocery store, or for your food at a restaurant, singing a quick song is a great way to talk, sing and point, and keeps your child busy.
Open Shut Them Song
Open, shut them, open, shut them, (open and shut your hands while singing)
Give a little clap, clap, clap. (clap your hands while singing)
Open, shut them, open, shut them, (open and shut your hands while singing)
Put them in your lap, lap, lap. (fold hands and place them in your lap)
3. Point, label and rhyme body parts:
Point to different body parts on your child giving them a name for the body part. Then after naming body parts you can add rhyming words, such as “nose, toes” or “eyes, thighs.” You can also make the rhymes into a song to add interest for your child.
This activity can be done while playing, waiting at the doctor’s office, or at bath time.
Activities Prepared by:
Circles of Learning
URL: www.circlesoflearning.org
Circles of Learning is a child care center in Rockford, IL providing care and early education to children 6 weeks through 5th grade. Our program collaborates with the Rockford Public School District to offer a pre-k program for students 3 to 5 years of age.
