The Foundation (Pre-Verbal Skills)

1. Joint Attention (The "Look Together" Exercise)

Goal: To get the child to focus on the same object as the mother. 

Instruction: Sit opposite your child. Hold a favourite toy (like a car or a rattle) right next to your own eyes. Call their name excitedly. When they look at your face/the toy, give them the toy immediately as a reward. 

Why: If they don't look at you, they can't learn from you.

2. Anticipatory Games (The "Ready, Set... Go!" Technique)

Goal: To teach the child to wait and signal for an action. 

Instruction: Use a fun activity like blowing bubbles or knocking down a tower of blocks.

1. Say "Ready... Set..." and then PAUSE.

2. Wait for the child to look at you, wiggle, or make a sound.

3. Immediately say "GO!" and blow the bubbles/knock the blocks. 

Professional Tip: The pause is the most important part. It creates pressure for the child to communicate.