Speech Stimulation Activities for Babies

Speech Stimulation Activities for Babies

1.Playing with sounds

When babies start making speech sounds, they start with sounds such as ‘ma’, ‘ba’ and ‘da’. You can start modelling these sounds to your child when you are playing with them. When your child starts making these sounds, look at them, smile and imitate the sounds that they just made. It’s like having a small baby conversation with them.

2. Be silly

Make silly faces with your child. Respond to your baby when they make faces or laugh. Imitate the same silly faces or facial expressions back to them. Here are some ideas for activities for babies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfX03P6_Olc

3. Playing people games

People games routine based games that require people, but no toys. These include Peek-a-boo, horsey rides, finger games etc. People games have the added advantage that they help children interact and play at the same time. Learn about more activities for babies here: https://www.hanen.org/SiteAssets/Helpful-Info/Articles/people-games-handout_1-0-1.aspx#:~:text=People%20games%20are%20simple%2C%20repetitive,or%20sight%20that%20he%20craves.

4. Talk to your baby

As a baby, your child will have various daily routines such as bath time, feed time, playtime etc. Talk to your baby as you are doing these activities. Talk to them about what you are doing, what you are picking up, where you are going etc. Explain to them what you are seeing or hearing. This is also known as self-talk. You can use this strategy for any activity that you do. For more details: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Parent-Handouts-for-Self-Talk-and-Parallel-Talk-2686810

5. Have a colourful time!!

Babies love colours. You can introduce colours using different activities at home. And you don’t really need any fancy toys. You can start by pointing out the different colours on your baby’s food plate. Or you could also stack your baby’s clothes in colour coordinated fashion while pointing out. Any activity would do. Point towards the colours and name them.

6. Counting numbers

Count numbers with your baby. You can use rhymes that have numbers, counting games using your baby’s fingers, counting toys while putting them in the basket etc. Some more activities for babies: https://readingeggs.co.uk/articles/2020/07/17/counting-games-for-kids/

7. Listen to animal sounds

Talk about animal sounds with your baby. You can start with animals around your baby such as any pet animals or even farm animals. Visit pet shops or zoos with your baby. Talk to your baby about what sounds the animals make. You can say “The dog says bow, wow”, “The cat says meow-meow” etc. If you do not have access to real animals, you use pictures, soft toys or models of these animals.

8. Use gestures

Babies start using gestures as early as 8-9 months of age. There is sufficient evidence to prove that using gestures with babies from a very young age helps develop speech and language skills. Make gestures that demonstrate the meaning of the word. For example, hold your hand in the shape of a ball when you are saying the word “Ball” while playing. Use the gestures and the word at the same time. Use gestures for daily communication and everyday interaction.

9. Add more words

When your baby says words like “Mama”, you can say “Yes, your mama is here”, “Mama is playing with baby”, “Mama loves baby” etc. Use simple sentences but make sure you use more words and add on to what your baby says.

10. Read to your baby

You can use picture books that have a lot of big coloured pictures. Look at those pictures, point out the objects as you move across the pictures. While doing so, you can name and point together. Ask simple questions like “What’s this?” and answer by pointing at the picture. You don’t really need to read every word, but you can talk about the pictures.

Some additional activities for babies:

How to stimulate your baby to talk

Helping your baby create language