Babies learn about objects around them by looking, feeling, and exploring everything during their first year. They remember things that they are interested in, or things that they like. When this memory kicks in, words become very important. It seems that the questions babies commonly ask are the name of the things around them. And they learn these really fast. You can help your baby learn by looking at what he is pointing at and using the name and the sign for it.
Name objects:
When you see your baby looking at an object, you can go near the object and make the sign on it. Make sure that he can see you at eye level so that he can see the correct way of signing the word and at the same time say the word clearly. Your baby can also watch your facial expression which is important if you are trying to associate a feeling with that particular object. Look at the things your baby is fascinated with and talk about those things. If your baby reaches out for a ball, talk about the ball. Your may work on your facial expression showing excitement so that your baby will associate this object with fun. Remember to follow your baby’s lead and focus on topics or words to match your baby’s interest.
The key to helping your baby remember the signs and names for objects is to keep using the names that he already knows. As mentioned, babies are curious by nature and they want to learn something many times as possible. As they start developing their language skills, they may need to see the sign and hear the name of the word many times before they are able to really know it.
When babies see an object all the time, it does not seem so interesting anymore. But once something different happens to it, it becomes a lot more fascinating. For example, a nappy may be something your baby sees everyday. But a stinky or wet nappy is different than all those in the stack.
You do not have to be confined to objects when teaching words and signs to your baby. Language is a lot more than that. You can choose to name actions, feelings, sounds, etc. Try to do this all day long and in every situation that you can. It’s normal for us to hurry through our daily routines but just keep in mind that you will be missing important learning opportunities if you don’t slow down a little, try following these steps to signing success.
Sounds:
Help your baby learn that some things produce sounds. When your baby hears certain sounds around them, you can also react and talk about what is making this sound. You could sign words to describe the sound such as “loud” or “noisy”. These sounds can even lead your baby to explore new things. When you hear something loud outside, you can bring your baby to the window. You may see your neighbor mowing the lawn and this would be a good situation to teach your child the word and the sign for “grass”.
Also try reading to your baby and explaining what is happening in their favorite book while acting out the signs. Children love books with colorful images that help to captivate their imagination.
Your baby will also learn to respond to the sound of his own name. Call it out a couple of times while approaching him and he will eventually learn that that is what he is called. You could even practice it during a game of peek-a-boo!
Emotions:
Babies experience varying emotions throughout the day. Your baby may learn to express these feelings by teaching him words and signs while the baby is experiencing them. He may be happy, angry, or frustrated at times and these are feelings that you can label. Describe to him the feeling that he has by using phrases such as “You are happy”, and “You are sad”. You can also tell your baby why he is feeling that way. Try not to miss an opportunity for labeling your baby’s feelings. This shows him that you care and that you are really listening.
Ask questions:
Your baby may not yet have the words to ask the questions that they want to but you can observe their actions and facial expressions to help you figure these out. For example, you may see your baby looking around the room for a toy. You would know that he is trying to ask say “Where?” and a puzzled look may be him asking “What’s this?”
Babies can learn to ask questions by over-hearing your question-and-answer routines with other family member. This is how they learn how questions work and even how to answer them. Try to actively inject questions into your conversations with other people when your baby is watching and don’t forget to sign it out.
You may also ask your baby some questions. This will encourage him to practice the new names and signs that he has learned. However, do give your baby an opportunity to ask a question back because these questions can tell you what your baby wants to talk about.
Babies love to explore:
Babies explore everything: you, themselves, their toys, and really just the world around them. This process may be messy at times, but this is the best way for him to learn. Give your baby as many opportunities to explore as you can because this increases his knowledge and this can give you more things to talk about.
You can also teach your baby about sizes. Instead of putting locks on some cabinets, try to draw his attention to one that you would like him to explore. You can put something fun outside it like a big colorful balloon or a cute stuffed animal. Inside, you can put objects that are of different sizes. Try plastic lids of different shapes and sizes but make sure that they don’t have small parts that can be choked on. This would be a good learning activity for your baby while you spend time doing something else.
Volume is also another thing for your baby to explore. You can put a tub in your bathroom and fill it up with plastic cups, measuring cups, plastic bottles, and other containers for pouring. Teach your baby that things feel lighter when they are empty and that not all containers are equal.
Your baby can also explore the outdoors. On a nice day, spread out a blanket on the grass and put things on it like leaves, flowers, and rocks but make sure that they are too big to swallow. You may also go for a walk and point out interesting things like butterflies, birds, and trees. Teach him how to say and sign those words.
It is not that difficult to decide which words to teach your baby initially. If you observe the things that he finds interesting and that are often in his sight then you would know which ones to choose trying to keep a good mix of practical and motivating signs. You could even make a list to help you remember!