First Words

Synopsis

Learn very first words with help from your favourite pups! Read the words aloud and press the buttions to play the sounds that go with them.

Summary

Chapter 1: Creating a Language-Rich Environment

* Summary: Emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where children are exposed to language through conversations, stories, and songs.
* Example: Engage in daily conversations with children, narrate their experiences, and sing familiar songs to foster language development.

Chapter 2: Understanding Your Child's Communication

* Summary: Explains the stages of speech development and provides tips for understanding children's gestures, body language, and emerging words.
* Example: Observe your child's attempts to communicate, pay attention to their gestures (e.g., reaching for a toy), and interpret their early words (e.g., "ba" for "bottle").

Chapter 3: Building Vocabulary

* Summary: Focuses on expanding children's vocabulary through labeling objects, describing experiences, and encouraging word play.
* Example: Point to objects and name them, engage in imaginative play using common items, and introduce new words during everyday activities (e.g., "Let's put on your 'shoes'").

Chapter 4: Helping Your Child Form Sentences

* Summary: Provides strategies for supporting children's sentence formation, emphasizing the use of simple and clear language.
* Example: Expand children's sentences by adding words or phrases (e.g., "I want a cookie" to "I want a chocolate-chip cookie"), and ask open-ended questions to encourage sentence responses.

Chapter 5: Encouraging Conversation

* Summary: Highlights the importance of engaging in conversations with children, asking questions, listening attentively, and responding with enthusiasm.
* Example: Initiate conversations about children's interests, ask questions about their experiences (e.g., "What did you do at school today?"), and demonstrate active listening by nodding, making eye contact, and reflecting on their thoughts.

Chapter 6: Reading and Storytelling

* Summary: Emphasizes the benefits of reading to children and suggests techniques for incorporating storytelling into everyday routines.
* Example: Read aloud to children daily, encourage them to participate in the storytelling process, and create bedtime stories that reflect their interests and experiences.

Chapter 7: Supporting Speech Development in Toddlers

* Summary: Provides guidance on supporting toddlers' speech development, addressing common challenges and offering practical advice.
* Example: Encourage toddlers to use specific words instead of gestures, model correct pronunciation, and provide opportunities for them to practice speaking in different situations.

Chapter 8: Supporting Speech Development in Preschoolers

* Summary: Focuses on supporting preschoolers' language development through play, social interactions, and structured activities.
* Example: Engage in dramatic play with children, encourage peer interactions through games and activities, and provide opportunities for them to participate in structured language programs (e.g., story time, circle time).

Chapter 9: When to Seek Professional Help

* Summary: Discusses the importance of seeking professional help if concerns arise about a child's speech or language development.
* Example: If a child exhibits persistent difficulty with speech or language production, has limited vocabulary, or does not engage in conversational interactions, consult with a speech-language pathologist for evaluation and support.