While driving in the car, play various kinds of music – from classical to jazz. Talk to your baby about where you are going and what you will do there. Give him a soft toy to play with on the trip.
This activity will help your baby listen and express herself, recognize sounds of language, begin to understand she can make things happen, and begin to move her body parts around.
While in the grocery store, talk to your baby about what you are buying. When she reacts to sights or sounds, respond with soothing words. If she gets antsy, give her a rattle to shake or soft book to “read.”
This activity will help your baby learn to express herself in a variety of environments, calm herself, and show interest in a familiar adult. Reacting to what he says will help him learn to listen and express himself, recognize and react to sounds of language, and use his body in different ways.
Hold your baby on your lap while you read a story out loud. Use different voices and sounds to make the story “come alive.”
Listening as you read will teach your child to express emotion, show interest in adults and other children and grow her attachment to you. She will recognize sounds of language and build her vocabulary. She will explore different ways that she makes things happen, and how to use her body to do so.