Quite often, I see early childhood pre-service students feeling a little lost when they are placed in the nursery room for their work placement. Babies may not be able to speak yet, and this can make it challenging for new educators to know how to interact and support their learning. However, even without words, babies communicate through sounds, gestures, and behaviour. By using simple yet effective techniques, early childhood educators can initiate and support communication, fostering babies’ learning, development, and wellbeing.
- Repeating Words, Sounds, and Gestures
Babies often make sounds, babble, or use gestures to express themselves. As educator, you can mirror these efforts by repeating the sounds, words, and gestures they use. This repetition helps babies feel understood and encourages them to continue communicating.
Example:
If a baby says “ba,” you can repeat “ba” and then expand with, âBa! Ball! Yes, this is a ball!â while holding a ball. This links the sound to an object, helping babies connect language to their surroundings.
- Describing Objects or Events
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to support communication is by describing what is happening around the child. This creates a language-rich environment that helps babies build their vocabulary.
Example:
“Look at the big red truck. Itâs moving so fast!” while pointing to the toy truck. These kinds of descriptions provide babies with the words to describe their world.
- Talking About Routine Activities
Daily routines offer a fantastic opportunity for communication. Whether it’s during mealtime, nappy changes, or nap time, talk to babies about whatâs happening. This repetition helps them associate language with routine activities.
Example:
“Now weâre putting on your shoes. One foot, and now the other. There we goâall ready for a walk!” This helps babies understand sequences of activities and develop a sense of time.
- Initiating dialogues
Babies thrive in one-to-one interactions where they can focus on the person talking to them. Start conversations with babies by making eye contact, smiling, and speaking in a warm tone. Then build on the interaction by responding to their attempts at communication.
Example:
When a baby reaches for a toy and babbles, say, âOh, you want the teddy bear? Here it is! Do you want to hold it?â This not only supports their communication but also their cognitive development.
- Hugs with comments
Physical closeness can enhance the bonding process and help babies feel secure, which is crucial for communication development. Offering a hug, holding a baby, or giving a gentle pat during interactions can create a more relaxed and open environment for communication.
Example:
While feeding or holding a baby, speak softly: “Youâre so cozy, arenât you? Letâs get you comfortable for your nap.â This offers comfort while associating your words with positive, nurturing experiences.
- Responding Positively to Exploratory Behaviour
Babies are naturally curious, and their exploratory behaviour is an important part of their development. When they reach for new objects or explore their environment, respond positively by naming what theyâre doing or the object theyâre curious about. For example, I watched a 13 months old baby yesterday running around the room leaving no stone unturned. She would look through the plastic containers, try to climb on the table, look through all the musical instruments and the set of texters. At times, babies behaviour may be risky!
Example:
If a baby reaches for a book, say, “You found a book! Letâs open it together. Wow, look at all the colours!” This type of response encourages babies to continue exploring while reinforcing their attempts at communication.
After spending a day in two different centres, in the babies’ rooms, I can tell – most of the interactions with young children of this age group are routines, like feeding, sleeping, changing on repeat. It is very important to use them as opportunities to support and develop language. What are your favourite phrases to say to babies?