Early Reading Continued:
Your child is probably showing signs of knowing your routines, by now. Routines translate as security to your little one. You are providing a safe and loving world, which will expand as your child grows. You are the model and the teacher…always.
Use each part of your day as a teaching moment. I don’t mean “lessons,” of course. I mean natural talking about what you are doing and what your child is seeing. See and feel through your child’s eyes:
Naming Things: bottle, bed, car, blanket, dog, refrigerator, window, book …..
Describing Feelings: soft, cold, wet, dry, bright, dark…..
Meaningful Phrasing: open the door; sit on the chair; open the book; go to sleep; get a bath; washing, washing, washing your hair…..
As you begin to focus on repeating familiar words, I suggest that you investigate sign language for babies. Babies learn quickly to associate repeated words and signs, which ease the tension often encountered between infancy and “talking.” The baby knows what he/she wants, but parents are guessing—-and are often wrong.
There are books available at the libraries and bookstores, of course. There is also a basic resource center I found online, along with others if you do a more detailed search.
http://www.babies-and-sign-language.com/glossary-photos.html
I didn’t personally use signing with my babies, but I have heard of many successful cases of better communication during the infancy/toddler stages. In infancy, of course, the cry is the first communication. However, crying also might mean wet pants or a tummy ache. Parents learn quickly, too.
The words “eat, more, and done” seem to pop up as definite signing words! We cannot control the eating habits of our children—the what, when, where of their hunger. Those three words would solve a lot of guessing and tension. So begin signing some of the words that fit your routines, as soon as your child is sitting in the infant seat or high chair, when your hands are free and you can follow them with your actions. I hope you’ll include the sign for “book,” as well. What a wonderful way for your child to begin telling you that it’s time to read!
Through signing and all the talking you are doing, you are providing the groundwork for reading. Presenting language and vocabulary to your child’s ears and eyes (no flashcards, please, just showing and signing), will amaze you when your child reaches the talking ages and can draw on early events and words to surprise and amaze you!
As I said, you won’t know what and how much your child’s infant brain can absorb, until he/she grows and matures a bit. So opt for giving him/her as much as you can, making it meaningful to your daily family routines. Opening your child’s world should be on the top of your list as you go through each day.
Submitted By Sharon Alm
Peace & Light,
Grace
Written by Grace Geller
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