A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

• Use sounds and gestures to say hello or get attention.

• Point at things they want.

• Say a few simple words.

• Like rhymes and simple songs.

• Enjoy reading with a favorite person.

• Turn the pages in sturdy cardboard books.

• Put objects such as nesting cups inside each other.

• Fill containers with water or small objects, then dump them out.

• Hold large crayons and make marks on paper.

HOW DO CRAWLERS AND WALKERS LEARN?

Marcus picks up a book with cardboard pages and a duck on the cover. He puts the book in his mouth for a moment, then waves it in the air. Marcus looks at his big sister, Maria, and makes noises that sound a lot like words. Maria says, "Do you want to read? Bring the book to me. We can read together."

With book in hand, Marcus crawls to Maria. She lifts Marcus into her lap and holds the book so that he can see it. She points to the duck on the cover. "That's a duck. Let's see what's inside."

Marcus turns the page. He pats the picture and says something that sounds like words. "That's right," says Maria. "The baby is in the bathtub."

After looking at a few more pages, Marcus squirms and wiggles. "Okay," says Maria. "Have you read enough? Let me help you down." She puts Marcus on the floor and he crawls away.

Like many other crawlers and walkers, Marcus is learning about language: He knows that people will respond to his sounds and actions. He thinks it's fun to look at books with another person. He knows how to wait for his turn while talking and reading with his sister.

Marcus's sister, Maria, helps him learn about language: She responds to his sounds and actions as if he were saying words. She lets him turn the pages of the book. She talks to him about what he seems to be saying. She lets him find something else to do when he has lost interest in reading.

ACTIVITIES AND IDEAS FOR CRAWLERS AND WALKERS

AGE CRAWLERS AND WALKERS: 8 TO 18 MONTHS OLD

ACTIVITIES Listening and Talking Crawlers and walkers are learning that it's fun to be with other people. Play games with babies that allow them to take turns--the way people do when talking with each other. You can roll a ball back and forth, play Peek-a-Boo by hiding something under a blanket or behind your back, and imitate babies' babbles. "You made a new sound, 'aba aba aba'." Set the stage for a familiar game, then wait until the baby shows interest in playing. For example, take out the blanket and toy you use for Peek-a-Boo and sit down on the floor where you and the baby usually play together. Wait patiently until the baby starts the game by covering the toy with the blanket. Then take your turn. "Michael. Where's the bunny? Where did the bunny go?" Encourage babies to notice each other and what they are doing. "Nina is holding her bottle while I hold her. You can touch her gently. Look, she smiled at you." Play a game, sing a song, or read a book with two babies at once. They will enjoy being with you and with each other. "Jonathan, here comes the ball. You caught it. Now roll it to me. Sara, here comes the ball. Good catch, Sara. Now roll it to me." How to help families: Tell families about the games their babies play at child care and ask them to tell you about the games babies play at home. Try some of their ideas, and encourage them to try some of yours. Crawlers and walkers use sounds, words, and gestures to express themselves. Pay close attention to babies' babbles, words, and actions so that you can understand what they are saying. "Lena, I see you pointing to the bear. Do you want me to get it for you?" Be patient. It may take several tries before you understand what a baby is saying. "Oh, Lena wants her blanket, not the bear. Here it is." Show your excitement when babies begin to talk. Help families keep track of these first words. Provide the names for objects, actions, and feelings. "Truck. Garrett is pushing the truck. Garrett is happy." Get to know what babies mean when they say a word. Many babies use the same word to send different messages, changing their tone of voice, facial expressions, and gestures. Watch and listen, then respond to what you think the baby is saying. For example: Cara looks up, points to the sky, and says, "Up." Her caregiver looks up and sees a kite flying in the distance. He says to Cara, "That's a kite. It's UP in the sky." Cara laughs and says again, "Up." Reading Crawlers and walkers like being read to. Read babies' favorite books again and again. Doing this helps babies remember the pictures and words. They are comforted by familiar activities such as this. Babies enjoy joining in by naming the pictures on a page. Read when a baby asks you to. Let the baby pick the book, time, and place for reading. Go to the next page when the baby is ready, and read for as long as he or she is interested. Read books in English and in the babies' home language. Ask families to tell you about books their babies read at home. Visit the children's room at the library and ask the librarian about books in babies' home languages. Point to or touch the objects in the pictures and name them. Relate the objects and activities in books to the babies' lives. "That baby has a high chair like yours. That's a ball. Jimmy likes to play with our ball." How to help families: Ask families what their babies like to do at home and elsewhere. Look for books about objects and activities that are familiar to babies. For example, if a baby likes going to the park, look for a book with simple pictures of outdoor scenes. Crawlers and walkers like to look at books on their own. Provide books with thick cardboard pages that are easy to turn and hard to damage. When the books get torn, put them away until they can be repaired and returned to the shelf. When babies damage books beyond repair, order new copies. Make it easy for babies to choose the books they want to explore. Store books with covers face up in open baskets on the low shelves used for other toys and play materials. Have babies help put books and toys away several times a day. Look for books about everyday activities--taking a bath, going for a walk, eating breakfast. Make sure the books show children's cultures, ethnic groups, family life, and abilities in positive ways. Make books that tell stories about the babies in your care. If you have a computer you can use it for the words and pictures. If not, print the words by hand and use photographs, pictures cut from magazines, or simple drawings as illustrations. Cover cardboard pages with clear plastic and bind with cotton string or yarn. Write new books throughout the year. Developing Muscles For Writing Crawlers and walkers can hold and use fat crayons to scribble. Introduce crayons and paper to babies. Begin by showing them how to use crayons to make marks on large pieces of paper. Tape the paper to the table so that it will stay flat. If babies try to color on walls, floors, and tables, gently redirect them back to the paper. They will soon learn that crayons and paper go together. Sit with babies while they scribble, to help and show your interest in their efforts and accomplishments. "Azim, look what you did. You made those marks on the paper." Allow babies to decide when they are finished. Then put away the crayons and paper. Bring them out later for another scribbling session.

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[Getting to Know You: Activities for Young Babies]

[Talking About Me: Activities for Toddlers]