Tummy Talk *

Your baby begins learning speech and language long before he utters his first word. Besides talking to your baby, try a little Tummy Talk. It makes speech and language a sensory experience.

Learning Skills

           

•Body awareness

•Language development

•Sensory-motor exploration

•Social interaction

Materials:

•           Your mouth

•           Soft blanket

What to do:

1. Remove your baby's clothes (nappy optional) and place him on a blanket, on his back

2. Kneel down beside your baby, chat for a mument, and gently rub his tummy.

3. Now it's time for Tummy Talk. Press your face and lips onto your baby's tummy, and talk, sing, recite a nursery rhyme, or just make up funny words. Vary the pitch and loudness of your voice as you speak.

4. Add a few kisses each time you finish your words.

5. Sit up and smile at your baby after each Tummy Talk. Your baby should be giggling while you play and anticipating the next ticklish chat.

Safety:  Don't speak too loudly; you don't want to startle your baby. And if you play this game with a naked baby, keep a nappy nearby, in case of a sudden tinkle!