Skill· 7mo–9mo· 2 min
Peek-a-Boo Talk
Parent covers their face with a sheet of paper and only reveals it when baby makes a sound. The agent coaches the parent to observe babbling, vocal turn-taking, and tonal variety as baby learns that their voice has power to make things happen. This activity builds expressive language and communicative intent.
Free to do together whenever you like.
What you'll need
Parent and baby facing each other at close range. Parent has a sheet of paper or light cloth to cover face. Baby should be alert and in a social mood.
How it works
The 3-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneTakes turns making soundsHeart· 4mo–8mo· core
- MilestoneLearns that own voice and actions have effects on others.Heart· 0mo–11mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneVocalizes back during interactionHeart· 2mo–8mo· core
- MilestoneBabbles with consonant soundsMind· 5mo–10mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneUses varied babble stringsMind· 7mo–9mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneBabbles conversationallyMind· 8mo–15mo· stretch
- MilestonePlayful vocal experimentationMind· 5mo–7mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneRepeats actions that have an effect, e.g. kicking or hitting a mobile or shaking a rattle.Mind· 0mo–11mo· core· Steps 1, 2
- MilestoneProduces reduplicated babbleMind· 5mo–10mo· stretch
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· core· Steps 1, 2
Visual example
Coming soon