A Word From Speech: Imitation Skills

Many late talking toddlers need to practice imitation skills.  If your toddler is not yet copying words, take a step back and try some Copy Cat games with actions and funny sounds / noises.  Lots of young children love these Simon Says games and it is a great way to help them ‘have a go‘ at copying sounds.

Here's a list of appealing books for 1-3 year old kiddos: 

1.  Baby’s First Sounds -  this is a simple book of different photo images (one picture to a page).  Lots of different sounds can be made throughout the book.  Bell = ling a ling,  Cat = meow,  Drum = bang bang

2. Baby Touch & Feel – Farm Animals – moo, baa, meow

3.  Uh Oh, I’m sorry –  uh oh /oh no

4.  Baby Faces Peek a Boo - Adult says peeka……….. and child lifts the flap and says ‘boo!’

5.  Sleepy Baby -  sssh!  or eyes shut and snoring noises

                         
                               

Why do we love these books!? 

1.  You can repeat the same noise or sound many times through the book

2.  The pictures are simple and lend themselves to a particular sound

3.  Many of the books have flaps or tactile pieces to keep toddlers engaged

Make sure that you use the books as a fun way to make playsounds and focus on these rather than the story.  Praise your toddler for any attempts at making the sound – don’t worry if it is mispronounced!

Information borrowed from :

 http://www.busybugkits.com.au/toddlers/25-books-toddlers-copy-sounds/

You can find 20 more books to add to this list on that website!

Back to School Series: HOMEWORK HAVOC

School is in full swing and so are the other things that come along with school...like homework. Homework serves a great purpose, however it can be difficult to transition back into the routine of work after school. Here are some tips to help soften the reality of homework each night. 

• Allow time after school for a break. After spending 7-8 hours at school your kiddo needs a brain break. This may include a snack, physical activity, or any form of structured free time.
• Provide a structured schedule where homework is completed at the same time each night. Set expectations. Establish a routine!
• If necessary, set a visual timer so they know how long they will be spending on the assignment.
• Look over the content prior to starting to prioritize homework based on level of difficulty. Ask your child where they would like to start.
• Provide a motivator to finish homework. This can vary. No rewards prior to completion.
• Stay calm. If your child becomes emotional during the homework process it is your job to stay calm and work through the situation. Do not threaten your child to get it done.
• Establish a homework area. This should be a low traffic area with minimal distractions.
• Create a homework bin to organize homework and/or projects so it is all in one place.
• Show interest in their work!
• Be realistic.
• Collaborate with the school to ensure that they have provided the best plan for your child to be successful. Adapt the course load to your child’s needs.
• Avoid burnout. Yes, their work needs to get done. But, they are still kids!
• Make a visual calendar where everyone at home can see. This can have all the extracurricular activities as well as test days, events, etc. This will assist everyone on being on the same page.