Shake, Rattle and Play

Play is more than "just fun" - it is how babies learn. Babies use play to learn about themselves and the world around them. They learn by seeing things, feeling different objects and textures and listening to different sounds including their own voice.

You can help your baby learn to talk and have fun at the same time by playing some of the following games.

Peek-a-boo

Using a small hand towel, hide your face from your baby's view when you know he's looking at you. After a few seconds, reappear and say "boo!." After a few turns change it by hiding baby under the towel.

"Gonna getcha!"

As your baby creeps away, crawl after him and catch him, ending with a tickle or a hug. Wait for your baby to respond and then do it all over again.

I'll try this

Let your child play with blocks. If he mouths, bangs, drops or throws one, copy him and then wait for his response. After you have had a game of taking turns, show him other ways to use blocks. (i.e., putting them in a bucket).

Where did it go?

As you are dressing or undressing your baby, express surprise when his head, arms, legs are hidden from your sight. Say "Where's your toes? Toes, come here." Then act excited when these parts reappear!

Pudding picture

Find a large pan with a lip in it (i.e., cookie sheet). Make some pudding and put a bib on your baby. Allow your baby to explore the pudding with his/her hands. Make sounds and add words to what your baby is doing. Expect a mess!

"Oh-oh"

Pretend to accidentally knock a toy off your baby's high chair tray. Say "oh-oh" with a look of surprise on your face. Will your baby look for the toy? Repeat this game over and over. Will your baby take a turn making the toy fall down?

For more information, contact your health region office or your speech language pathologist.