This week: Again! Again! - Asking for more: looking, pointing, using sounds and words
Aspect: A Skilful Communicator Components: being together, communicating, finding a voice Heads up lookers and communicators What you need n bubble pot n feathers (see tip below)
What you do
1 Sit opposite the baby so that your faces are level.
2 Call their name, then gently blow some bubbles so that they float close to but not into the baby. Say 'Look' and gently reach up and pop the bubbles. Pause for a moment, wait for them to make a sound, reach or gesture to request more.
3 Say 'Again?', then pause. Wait for a sound, word or gesture, repeat 'Again' and then blow some more bubbles. Give the baby plenty of time to ask for 'Again'.
4 Play the same game with the feathers, blowing them high into the air and waiting for them to float down, before asking 'Again?'
Another idea Play again with squares of tissue or transparent paper.
Ready for more?
* Build towers of bricks. Encourage sounds, words or gesture to mean 'Again', each time the tower is knocked down.
* Play a favourite tickle game and then ask the baby, 'Again?'
Individual needs
* Hold the bubble on the wand and move it slowly in front of those who have visual or physical difficulties. Give them plenty of time to try to reach for the bubble and ask 'Again'.
* Use a large bright ball and bounce it in front of children to grab their attention.
Watch, listen, reflect
* Watch their responses to different objects and textures.
* Listen, copy and praise any sounds they make.
* With older children, listen for sounds and words they use and praise their new vocabulary or copying of the words you use.
Working together
Parents could:
* try some bubble play at home.
* use 'Again' and 'Gone' words and gestures in everyday situations, such as bath time and meals.
Practitioners could:
* try different bubble wands to make some huge bubbles, or lots of tiny bubbles.
* talk to parents about the ways babies communicate before words.
What are they learning?
Are they n using sounds? n using gestures? n making requests? n reaching?
looking? n sharing fun?
This leads to n enjoying rhymes n exploring n making sounds.
Taken from What I Really Want (Little Baby Books, series 1, Featherstone Education, 17.99 per series). The four series, each with four books, cover the four aspects and 16 components of Birth To Three Matters. To order copies, call 0185 888 1212 or visit www.featherstone.uk.com.
