Encouraging Language in Little Ones!
Preston, my first angel from heaven!
I’ve been asked several times lately, “Where do we start? How can we stimulate our baby’s language development?” I thought it would be a great idea to share the suggestions that have been graciously given to us. This is a combination of wonderful ideas from Luke’s occupational therapist, play therapist and several speech pathologists. Every time my husband and I got new information, I would enter it on my phone. Happily I pass this on to you. Oral motor strategies are very important for Luke as he struggles with poor muscle tone, and sensory issues around his mouth. I’m sure your little ones will enjoy the fun regardless! Here’s a few to start with;
Oral Motor Strategies
1. Blowing bubbles, blowing whistles
2. Blowing milk bubbles with straw
3. Blowing cotton balls with a straw (Have cotton ball races)
4. Peanut butter or jelly around the mouth. (Baby has fun licking it off)
5. Jigglers(vibration) to rub on cheeks/mouth
6. Variety of foods. Lot’s of textures and flavors (sour and spicy) within diet limits of course!
7. Motorized toothbrush at least twice a day
8. Ditch the sippy’s. Sippy cups use the same muscles as the bottle. Try a straw, if your really brave go for the open cup. If your not quite ready give your child a cup to practice in the bath tub
9. Try sucking thick liquids through a long wide straw (applesauce, pudding, fruit smoothies, milk shakes)
Activities
1. Find child’s interests and run with it
2. Puzzles
3. Blocks
4. Crafts for little ones
5. Dancing
6. Singing/ Playing musical instruments
7. Reading, and lots of it!!!
8. Playing with baby dolls
9. Pretend phone calls
10. Go outside, the world awaits! Parks, Swinging, jumping, playing ball, being in nature (bugs are a big hit so are flowers)
11. Talk during mealtime and getting dressed
Label, Label, Label, everything in your child’s world!
Luke 9 months
Your baby is learning to talk from you!
Extra Miracles!
Sweet Pea and Tallulah
Animals have a strong impact on little ones. I read a story of a boy with Apraxia who started talking when he got a new puppy. If your not ready for a new fury friend consider a fish in a bowl or a trip to the zoo?? Exciting!!
Sign language has also been extremely helpful for us-see entry titled My Sign.
Preston & Lily
I’d love to hear the activities that work for your little one.
Love your child, talk to your child, listen to your child!
Tags: CAS Occupational therapies for Apraxia, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, oral motor activitives for toddlers, speech therapy
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:19 am
Thanks you very much for your suggestions. I plan on trying these with my little ones. I have also encouraged our children, with your inspiration, to use sign language. So far, the kids are able to sign: more and eat very well. And we’re working with other signs like: drink, thirsty, cheese, cracker, cookie, thank you. They do have their moments where they confuse their signs and when they don’t use them and get frustrated, but we’re all learning so much. Right now their favorite movies are some childrens sign movies. A few suggestions for your readers that our kids love are: Baby Einstein, First Signs; Baby Babble; and so far, the Signing Time series.
Love,
ERIN
January 5th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
Hi Luke
Aunt Paula is visiting Jesse and his Grandma. He calls his grandma “Nani”. He loves his Grandma just like you love your Grandma. Jesse is looking forward to a play date. His nana says, ” We can have the children practice blowing bubbles in their milk at Chick Fillets.”
Amen that God is good. He is amazing. HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009. Love to the House of Krause. val