We’ve been talking in the baby blog a little about activities to do with your baby. I mentioned in my first article that I think just getting out and making a point to interact with your baby, carry your baby, etc. is good stimulation. However, this series is designed to give you some ideas if you want to plan activities with your baby. These are also excellent ideas for those of you who have preemies.
Animals
Babies can learn to associate all sorts of sounds with animals. On top of that, if you browse a baby book section, you’ll find all sorts of baby books about animals. So when you’re reading to your baby, go ahead and start associated sounds with the various animals. “Meow” when you see a cat, “woof” when you see a dog and so forth.
Rhyming
Rhyming is actually a pretty important precursor to reading. I’m not suggesting that you hold reading lessons with your newborn, but taking his feet you can make up nonsense rhymes like, “clap the feet, smap the peet, blap the breet” etc.
Clapping and Rhythm
There is a distinctive rhythm to our language (to all languages actually) and although as adults we might not hear it, babies really do. Emphasize rhythm with your baby by clapping his hands or his feet rhythmically while you’re reading to him a sing-song type rhyme or even just do it when you’re playing.
Whispering
Take your baby’s hand and hold it to your mouth while you whisper a song, or simply just talk to him in a whisper. Then as you’re talking increase your volume.
Singing
I tend to think that singing songs is very useful for all sorts of behavior management with a toddler (like the clean up song, the going to bed song, even singing while brushing his teeth to ensure that he brushes long enough). Singing is important for babies too. Believe it or not, it helps them develop their hearing and pick up cues in language more easily!
Come back soon for more ideas and activities to play with baby!
Related Articles:
Teaching Your Baby a Foreign Language
Baby Sign Language: Good or Bad?