ASQ Helpful Learning Activities for Infants
8-12 Months Old
Focus on: Language Development
ASQ Helpful Learning Activities for Infants
8-12 Months Old
Focus on: Language Development
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Describe Your Baby's Movements.
Find a big box that your baby can crawl into and out of. Stay close by and talk to your baby about what she is doing: "You went in! Now you are out!"
Imitating Sounds.
Your baby will play more with different sounds like "la-la" and "da-da". Copy the sounds your baby makes. Add a new one and see if your baby tries it, too. Enjoy your baby's early attempts at talking.
Imitation Games.
Show pleasure at your baby's imitations of movements and sounds. Peek-a-boo and So Big are great examples. Babies enjoy playing the same games over and over.
Imitating Gestures.
Say "hi" and wave when entering a room with your baby. Encourage your baby to imitate. Help your baby wave to greet others. Waving "hi" and "bye" are early gestures.
Let Your Baby Make Choices.
Offer two toys or foods and see which one your baby picks. Encourage your baby to reach or point to the chosen object. Babies have definite likes and dislikes!
Poking at Objects.
Your baby will begin using his index fingers to poke. Let your baby poke at a play telephone or busy box. Your baby will want to poke at faces. Name the body parts as your baby touches your face.
Reading and Touching Pictures.
Read baby books or colorful magazines by pointing and telling your baby what is in the picture. Let your baby pat pictures in the book.
