You have been practicing watch, notice and wait expectantly to get the see saw of interaction going in People Games.

You can use these skills you have learnt to get an interaction going with your child at any time of the day, but to do this you must still remember to follow their lead. Your child will find it easier to concentrate and learn new skills if it is something they are interested in.

Watch to see what your child is interested in. Wait to see what they do. Then join in the play by following what they are doing.

The videos will give you lots of ideas about how you can follow your child’s lead throughout the day. When you do, your words will work wonders.

Once you have a back and forth interaction with your child you can begin to add simple words the same way we did in people games.

 

 

Follow your child’s lead throughout the day

 

We are now going to use your Watch and notice, and Wait expectantly skills anytime throughout the day.

You can do this by learning to follow your child’s lead anytime, not just when you want to get a People Game going.

This simply means that as you go through the day, you notice what your child is interested in and follow that, rather than trying to direct his attention to something that interests you.

 

 

Why should I follow my child’s lead?

 

• Children are more likely to communicate about what they are interested in

 

• Your child will learn more when what you say links to what they is interested in

 

 

 

How do I follow my child’s lead throughout the day?

 

Join in and play

Even if your child does not start an interaction with you, you can still get involved!

E.g. if he is driving his car on the floor join in! Get down with your car and drive too, making car noises! Don’t forget – it is important to wait after you have joined in for a moment or two. When you wait, it gives your child a chance to respond. Then just watch the interaction grow!

 

 

Copy your child

If your child is just starting to communicate, one of the best ways to connect with your child is by copying their actions, facial expressions, sounds and words.

Watch and Notice and then do exactly what they do. Then wait to see what happens next!

 

 

Put into words what your child wants to say –

Interpret your child’s message – put into words what you think he is trying to tell you with his actions, sounds, facial expressions.

 

 

Or…if he hands you an empty cup, think about what he would say if he could e.g. ‘juice’ ‘more juice’. Using 1-2 simple words makes it easier to learn the words and use them when he is ready. Then remember to wait.

Comment – say something (just one or two words) that matches what your child is doing or saying at that moment. Then remember to wait so your child can take a turn. This helps to get the communication seesaw moving.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Putting it into practice

 

1. When I watched and noticed, I saw my child’s lead was

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………….

2. I followed their lead by (you might have done 1 of these or you maybe did a few – it just depends on what is right for your child at that moment):

 

	What did you do?	What did your child do next?
Join in an play
Imitate
Interpret
Comment

 

 

Session G Video: https://view.pagetiger.com/sure-start-building-blocks-for-communication/1 

 

Video Script

Chatting with your child is so much more than just telling them what to do or what not to do. It’s about sharing their interests, sharing their wonder, and letting them know that what matters to them matters to you.

Wherever you are or whatever you’re doing, you can make it time for a chat. Your child will just love it when you chat about their interests – and when they’re happy, it makes it easier to get through the day.

Wait to give time to see what your child is interested in – notice what that is,… and respond with a comment.