Carson's sign language is getting so much better! He signed "thank you" to Daddy when Daddy did something for him. A little while later, I asked him to sign
"please" before I gave him what he wanted. WOW! THEN, he signed more, when he wanted more food that night at dinner. This is great!
So, that was Friday and Saturday. Signing hasn't gone so well since then, but I try to remember to do the sign as I am saying the word, so Carson will pick up the sign and associate it with the word.
There are Kindermusik classes that do baby sign language to music, but they are during the week. That just doesn't work! We will have to figure out something else and maybe try another class with music. Carson loves to dance!
Showing posts with label communication. Show all posts
Showing posts with label communication. Show all posts
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
New words
Yesterday Carson started using a couple new words. When I pointed to the cow in the book, he said "mmm" after I told him the cow goes "moo." Not sure if that's what he meant, but I'm taking it! Then, he was playing in a laundry basket when it started to tip. He said "whoa." Too funny! I almost forgot - I don't remember the story, but Carson said "uh-oh" on Sunday. Linda said she says "uh-oh spagetti-o" a lot and her granddaughter Keelee says "uh-oh etti-o."
The one we can't figure out is "boppy." Carson has pointed to many things and said "boppy," including animals in a book, pictures of the family, and pictures in magazines. We kinda think he means Tanner since that seems to be the most consistent, but we aren't sure. Once the mystery is solved, we will clue you in!
The one we can't figure out is "boppy." Carson has pointed to many things and said "boppy," including animals in a book, pictures of the family, and pictures in magazines. We kinda think he means Tanner since that seems to be the most consistent, but we aren't sure. Once the mystery is solved, we will clue you in!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
So, here we are (a few days late) with a big announcement: Carson told me no for the first time. Needless to say, I am not so thrilled with this new word. It happened on Thursday evening...
Cj was on his way downtown for work, so he needed to bring Carson to me at work on the way. (He picked up Carson early from Linda's since she had a doctor's appointment.) Carson had a grand old time playing in my desk and helping me reorganize and clean it out. Too bad I needed to keep track of some of those files! Anyways, after putting my desk back together for the 10th time, I got a little more forceful with my "Stop, Carson. No, no." I guess he got a kick out of it because he took a folder out, dragged it across the floor, then stopped to look at me. I looked at him and told him to stop. He raised his little arm, and as he brought it down, he said "naw" then started to laugh. Oh, the little turkey. He started to grin at me and I couldn't stay mad. I am NOT ready for that word to be a part of his vocabulary.
Cj thought it was quite humorous when I called him to let him know what his son had said. Uh-huh (another of Carson's faves.)
Unfortunately, Carson has said "naw" repeatedly and he hasn't forgotten it yet. I guess that happens when he gets to hear that word a few times a day. He already has selective listening, as he acts as though I didn't say anything when I do tell him no to something he knows not to do.
It's a good thing he's cute...
Cj was on his way downtown for work, so he needed to bring Carson to me at work on the way. (He picked up Carson early from Linda's since she had a doctor's appointment.) Carson had a grand old time playing in my desk and helping me reorganize and clean it out. Too bad I needed to keep track of some of those files! Anyways, after putting my desk back together for the 10th time, I got a little more forceful with my "Stop, Carson. No, no." I guess he got a kick out of it because he took a folder out, dragged it across the floor, then stopped to look at me. I looked at him and told him to stop. He raised his little arm, and as he brought it down, he said "naw" then started to laugh. Oh, the little turkey. He started to grin at me and I couldn't stay mad. I am NOT ready for that word to be a part of his vocabulary.
Cj thought it was quite humorous when I called him to let him know what his son had said. Uh-huh (another of Carson's faves.)
Unfortunately, Carson has said "naw" repeatedly and he hasn't forgotten it yet. I guess that happens when he gets to hear that word a few times a day. He already has selective listening, as he acts as though I didn't say anything when I do tell him no to something he knows not to do.
It's a good thing he's cute...
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Carson and talking
I am posting the latest article from babycenter.com. I get weekly emails from them letting me know about Carson's age and what to expect. They are great emails, and I have been getting them since the beginning of my pregnancy. Anyways, Carson had been babbling a lot, and he does some of the signs they mention below - arms up to pick him up as well as pushing things away, nodding his head for yes, and reaching for things he wants. He grunts and groans to make noises for things he wants or to let you know he's frustrated when you don't know what he's saying. Man, we are by the book on this one! I just wanted to let you know that we all need to work on showing him some signs and teaching him "adult" words and not "baby" words.
Your 13-month-old's language and cognitive development: Can we talk?by Dana SullivanReviewed by the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board
HighlightsNew this month: Can we talk?What you can doOther developments: Intonation awareness and object permanence
New this month: Can we talk?
Around 13 months, many toddlers have vocabularies that consist of three or four words. Yours can probably say "mama" or "dada," and something like "ta ta," for thank you, "ba" for bottle or ball, and "bye-bye." But don't be upset if she can't. She's still in what experts call the "passive" phase of language acquisition. That means she's soaking up all the words and speech around her, and filing the information away for later use. Even if she doesn't say any words clearly, she can probably communicate her needs with gestures (holding her arms out so you'll pick her up), sounds, and body positions, such as turning her head away from something she doesn't want.
What you can do
If you've already got a little talker on your hands, encourage her to keep trying new words by labeling as many actions and objects as you can. Use clear, simple speech, and an "adult" voice. Talk about where you're going as you strap her into her car seat. While you're at the grocery store, tell her what you're looking at ("Let's get some bananas," or "Here's the milk"). Talking to your child, even if she can't fully respond, makes her feel like she's a part of what's going on around her and makes her want to participate in the conversation. Singing songs, especially ones with gestures, such as "Itsy-Bitsy Spider," and "Wheels on the Bus," make speech fun and interesting, too — plus they introduce your child to music.The other side of talking is listening. If you want to encourage your child to talk, listen to her as she "converses" with you just as you would if you could understand every word perfectly. Keep eye contact and respond with smiles and nods, and she'll want to tell you more and more — and she'll be learning valuable lessons about listening carefully while another person is talking.Even if your 13-month-old says just a few words, she can probably communicate many more. Have you ever noticed how babies even younger than 13 months will wave good-bye, blow kisses, and nod or shake their head to say yes or no? They're talking with gestures that they've observed you using. Recent research suggests that children are capable of assigning different gestures to dozens of words — but it's up to you to teach them. If your toddler seems frustrated by her inability to make you understand her needs, try making up hand signs to help her. You might hold your thumb to your mouth to signal the word "drink," for instance. For a few days, whenever you hand her a cup, show her the gesture and say the word at the same time. Within a few days, she may surprise you by using the sign herself to ask for a drink. (Get more information on how to teach your toddler signing, and learn about its benefits.)
Other developments: Intonation awareness and object permanence
Just as she imitates you when you pet the dog or water the garden, your 13-month-old is listening closely to what you say to her and how you say it so she can give it a try, too. Next time you hear her babbling, listen to what she's "saying." You'll notice that her intonations sound very conversational, even though she's not speaking any words. When you ask her a question, she'll probably respond with a series of babbles and gestures, signaling that she understands what you're asking. Also observe how differently she responds to a frantic "No!" when you warn her away from a hot plate or an unfamiliar animal, and to a more cajoling tone to get her to stop tugging on your leg. If you notice a difference in her reactions, that means she's realizing that intonation plays a role in communication.At 13 months, children are testing their powers of observation and they're beginning to understand that objects are permanent. In other words, she's beginning to realize that a toy still exists even when she can't see it. Out of sight, out of mind can no longer be a family motto!To test whether your child understands object permanence, roll a toy under the couch and see if your toddler looks for it in the right spot. Or hide a stuffed animal under a blanket for her to find.A word of caution: Your toddler is honing her problem-solving skills, doing things like trying to fit objects inside others, turning on switches, and twisting stove knobs. Since she can't recognize danger, be sure your house is adequately childproofed.
Your 13-month-old's language and cognitive development: Can we talk?by Dana SullivanReviewed by the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board
HighlightsNew this month: Can we talk?What you can doOther developments: Intonation awareness and object permanence
New this month: Can we talk?
Around 13 months, many toddlers have vocabularies that consist of three or four words. Yours can probably say "mama" or "dada," and something like "ta ta," for thank you, "ba" for bottle or ball, and "bye-bye." But don't be upset if she can't. She's still in what experts call the "passive" phase of language acquisition. That means she's soaking up all the words and speech around her, and filing the information away for later use. Even if she doesn't say any words clearly, she can probably communicate her needs with gestures (holding her arms out so you'll pick her up), sounds, and body positions, such as turning her head away from something she doesn't want.
What you can do
If you've already got a little talker on your hands, encourage her to keep trying new words by labeling as many actions and objects as you can. Use clear, simple speech, and an "adult" voice. Talk about where you're going as you strap her into her car seat. While you're at the grocery store, tell her what you're looking at ("Let's get some bananas," or "Here's the milk"). Talking to your child, even if she can't fully respond, makes her feel like she's a part of what's going on around her and makes her want to participate in the conversation. Singing songs, especially ones with gestures, such as "Itsy-Bitsy Spider," and "Wheels on the Bus," make speech fun and interesting, too — plus they introduce your child to music.The other side of talking is listening. If you want to encourage your child to talk, listen to her as she "converses" with you just as you would if you could understand every word perfectly. Keep eye contact and respond with smiles and nods, and she'll want to tell you more and more — and she'll be learning valuable lessons about listening carefully while another person is talking.Even if your 13-month-old says just a few words, she can probably communicate many more. Have you ever noticed how babies even younger than 13 months will wave good-bye, blow kisses, and nod or shake their head to say yes or no? They're talking with gestures that they've observed you using. Recent research suggests that children are capable of assigning different gestures to dozens of words — but it's up to you to teach them. If your toddler seems frustrated by her inability to make you understand her needs, try making up hand signs to help her. You might hold your thumb to your mouth to signal the word "drink," for instance. For a few days, whenever you hand her a cup, show her the gesture and say the word at the same time. Within a few days, she may surprise you by using the sign herself to ask for a drink. (Get more information on how to teach your toddler signing, and learn about its benefits.)
Other developments: Intonation awareness and object permanence
Just as she imitates you when you pet the dog or water the garden, your 13-month-old is listening closely to what you say to her and how you say it so she can give it a try, too. Next time you hear her babbling, listen to what she's "saying." You'll notice that her intonations sound very conversational, even though she's not speaking any words. When you ask her a question, she'll probably respond with a series of babbles and gestures, signaling that she understands what you're asking. Also observe how differently she responds to a frantic "No!" when you warn her away from a hot plate or an unfamiliar animal, and to a more cajoling tone to get her to stop tugging on your leg. If you notice a difference in her reactions, that means she's realizing that intonation plays a role in communication.At 13 months, children are testing their powers of observation and they're beginning to understand that objects are permanent. In other words, she's beginning to realize that a toy still exists even when she can't see it. Out of sight, out of mind can no longer be a family motto!To test whether your child understands object permanence, roll a toy under the couch and see if your toddler looks for it in the right spot. Or hide a stuffed animal under a blanket for her to find.A word of caution: Your toddler is honing her problem-solving skills, doing things like trying to fit objects inside others, turning on switches, and twisting stove knobs. Since she can't recognize danger, be sure your house is adequately childproofed.
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