KBGPF005 | Fostering early speech
By Dr. Rajeev Tamhankar
This activity is designed to promote early language development in newborns by engaging them in simple verbal exercises. Through focused lip, tongue, and mouth movements, parents will encourage their baby’s ability to vocalize, laying the groundwork for speech. By repeatedly using carefully chosen words and sounds, babies will gradually learn to imitate movements necessary for producing speech.
- Preparation:
- Find a quiet, comfortable space where your baby can see your face clearly.
- Hold your baby in your lap or lay them down, ensuring that you are at eye level for the best visual connection.
- Interaction:
- Start speaking slowly and clearly, using short words with exaggerated lip, tongue, and mouth movements.
- Use words like: Mama, Baba, Bye-bye (for lip movement) and Ada, Eat (for tongue movement). You can also use words in your native language (e.g., Pani, Khana in Hindi).
- Repeat each word five times, then pause for a few seconds to observe the baby’s reaction.
- Engagement:
- When your baby coos or makes any sound, mimic them. This encourages them to continue vocalizing and shows them that their communication is being acknowledged.
- Use exaggerated facial expressions to make the exercise engaging for the baby.
- Consistency:
- Aim for 1-2 sessions daily, each lasting a few minutes.
- Slowly introduce new words over time, but focus on consistency rather than quantity.
Benefits of the Activity:
- Speech Development: Helps babies develop the necessary oral motor skills for speech, including control over the lips, tongue, and breath.
- Communication Skills: Early exposure to sounds helps infants recognize patterns in speech and associate them with movements, aiding in faster communication skills.
- Bonding: Close interaction during the activity strengthens emotional bonds between parent and baby, creating a positive, nurturing environment.
- Cognitive Growth: Regular engagement in this activity promotes cognitive development by introducing babies to new words, sounds, and expressions.
- Exaggeration: Babies love watching faces! Make your mouth movements big and clear so they can easily observe what you’re doing.
- Patience: Every baby progresses at their own pace, so if they don’t respond right away, stay patient. Celebrate small improvements like a coo or babble.
- Timing: Keep sessions short and fun—no more than a few minutes. Overstimulation can be counterproductive.
- Positive Reinforcement: Smile, clap, or say encouraging words when your baby mimics or tries to vocalize in response.
- Natural Flow: Incorporate the words into daily routines, such as using “mama” and “baba” while playing or during feeding time to make the activity feel natural.
- Comfortable Environment: A quiet, well-lit space where your baby can comfortably see your face.
- Time: 5-10 minutes per session, ideally 1-2 times daily.
- Your Voice: The only “tool” you need is your voice, along with the ability to exaggerate lip, mouth, and tongue movements.
- Patience: Results will be gradual, so be patient and consistent.
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