I had a lovely visit with my 10 month old
grandson this past weekend. Watching him initiate communication with his
parents and other adults and children gave me the focus for today's column.
The first time I saw him initiate
communication was during a long ride in the car after picking up the family from the airport. He was playful,
engaged, and happy for the first thirty minutes. After that he started to look
more serious, maybe a little concerned as he sat in his car seat. He turned to
his mother and opened and closed his fists a few times. “Oh, you would like
some milk.” She acknowledged his communication and empathized with his desire
to eat. “We will eat soon, we are almost there.” At ten months he was able to
understand her awareness for his needs and to wait a little longer before
eating.
The second time I realized he was
communicating was during some floortime play with me. Whatever we were doing
was good fun but suddenly he stopped playing and turned toward his daddy,
reaching his arms out. “Oh, you would like to walk around.” His daddy helped
him up and he happily cruised around the room with his dad.
Both examples required that the parents tune
into the non-verbal communication that their child was giving. Long before the
first words are spoken, a baby’s movement, gestures, pointing, facial cues, and
even baby sign language can help parents understand what their little one is
asking of them. When babies know their communication is understood, they do not
have to resort to other ways of having their needs met.
Rhythmic
Chant
Pat-a-cake,
pat-a-cake,
Baker’s
man!
Bake
me a cake
As
fast as you can!
Pat
it, and prick it,
And
mark it with a B.
Put
it in the oven
For
Baby and me!
This
nursery rhyme is one of the familiar baby rhymes that can easily be extended
and appropriate for preschoolers.
It has a strong beat and rhythm so try some simple clapping variations.
Use the first letter of each child’s name (even if it doesn’t rhyme!) to
include each child personally in the chant.
No comments:
Post a Comment