Story Gestures
Parent reads a familiar story to baby while exaggerating facial expressions and simple gestures, observing baby's attempts to imitate. The agent coaches the parent to notice imitation of facial expressions, imitation of gestures, and social engagement during shared reading — building early communication skills and cognitive imitation abilities.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Parent and baby sitting face-to-face in comfortable position. Familiar children's book in hand. Good lighting so baby can see parent's face clearly. Calm environment with minimal distractions.
How it works
- 1~30s
Start reading the story with your normal voice, but when you come to an emotional part — like a happy character or a surprised moment — really exaggerate your facial expression. Make your eyes wide for surprise, or give a big, open-mouth smile for happiness. Watch your child's face closely. Does they try to copy your expression? Even a slight attempt counts — maybe their eyes get bigger or they opens their mouth a little. Tell me what you notice.
Watch for: Baby attempts to imitate parent's exaggerated facial expressions during shared reading.
- 2~35s
Now let's add some simple gestures. When you read about a character waving hello, you wave. When there's clapping in the story, you clap. You could even try covering your face for 'peek-a-boo' moments. Make the gestures big and clear. Watch your child's hands and body. Does they try to wave when you wave? Or make any movement that resembles your gesture? Even an attempt to lift their hands counts.
Watch for: Baby attempts to imitate parent's simple gestures during shared reading.
- 3~40s
As you continue reading with expressions and gestures, pay attention to your child's overall engagement. Does they look back and forth between your face and the book? Does they make eye contact when you pause, as if waiting for the next expression? Or maybe they vocalizes or points when you make a particularly funny face? We're looking for signs that your child is sharing this storytelling experience with you.
Watch for: Baby shows shared attention during interactive reading — looking between parent and book, making eye contact, or responding to social cues.