Now that we’re hopefully imitating actions with our bodies, let’s talk about imitating action using our sounds! This is typically the stage parents get most excited about, as they finally get to hear their child’s voice. As always, we will be eliciting these sounds through play. Now, don’t get confused. These sounds aren’t typically considered ‘words’, but they hold real meaning. These sounds also aren’t exactly babble, as they contain meaning. These sounds are also great to target for children with motor planning difficulties as they are simple to produce.
So what are examples of play sounds? Pretty much any sound that can be paired with an action during play. As adults, we also make some of these sounds naturally during the day.
· Grunt as your pull or open something
· Gasp when you are surprised
· Yawn
· Fake cough
· Fake sneeze
· Fake laugh
· Fake snore
· Car/ truck noises that aren’t words
· Siren noise
· Slurp while drinking
· Exhale after drinking
· Munching noise
· “Shhh”- quiet noise
· “Hmmm”- thinking noise
When targeting these new sounds, pair imitations with actions from previous steps. This helps provide visual reinforcements and a level of comfort as the child is able to imitate theses previously learned movements. Think about what sounds the child already makes and choose your targets from there. As always model, model, model. Model 3-5 times before asking your child to imitate. Be excited, engaged, and fun. Over exaggerate the sounds. If another child is present, have them imitate you as motivation. Reward any attempt to imitate. Include props and toys to increase engagement. If your child still isn’t imitating that sound, it’s okay to try another. However, attempt to only model a handful of sounds per play session as to not confuse the child. It’s better to switch toys, props, and the environment, before switching the play sound. Repeated stimulation is critical for children learning to imitate new vocalizations.
Think of ways to elicit vocalizations based on what your child likes to do. It’s good to get creative. You can target more than one vocalization with the same object, if your child is engaged, or model one vocalization with multiple objects if needed. Once your child is consistently imitating one sound with one object, ensure you practice the sound in new contexts. Use your imagination and have fun!
Talk soon, Kim
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