Support Early Language Development with Imitation

If your child makes sounds that aren’t words, imitate them while face to face. Make the movements of your mouth big, as if you are acting on a stage. This will help him follow the movements, again through mirroring. Similarly, you can imitate his movements during moments throughout play. This motor imitation can be used for a few minutes at a time (it can be tiring for the adults!) to support non-verbal communication, an important foundation children learn as they learn language. For example if your child is crawling, you can crawl alongside him. If they rolls; you roll. Feel free to add facial expressions.