Signs Encouraging asking for help before the ability to speak.
Materials:
“Baby Signs” by Joy Allen
Beginning: Read “Baby Signs” by Joy Allen
Middle: While reading, the caregiver can perform the signs in the pictures. Using the sign for things like "more" or “please” during an activity or feeding. Showing the signs every time the child wants more or is asking for something. Consistency is key, encourage them to repeat the sign back to you. Repeat until they do.
Earlier: Begin with a few signs, like “milk” and “please” Later: Incorporate the ASL Alphabet, and signs for animals like along to “Brown Bear, Brown Bear” by Eric Carl
End: This activity never comes to an end. Signs can always be implemented throughout the time the child spends with you.
Follow-Up Ideas: Use signs along with morning meeting songs, and other favorites so the signs can be utilized and repeated often for retention.
KDI: Nonverbal Communication
Story Time Reading and Engaging the children in flip up, touch and feel, and sound books.
Materials:
“Peek-a-Boo” by Nina Laden
Beginning: Read “Peek-a-Boo” by Nina Laden
Middle: Encouraging the children to make the sounds with every page turn engaging them in the book.
Earlier: Playing with the child Later: Use an animal sounds book, like “Little Blue Truck”, and encourage the children to repeat the animal sounds.
End: This activity comes to an end when the children no longer express interest.
Follow-Up Ideas: Making the animal sounds, and have the children recall which animal makes that particular sound.
KDI: Enjoying Language
Picture Books Reading and Engaging the children in books.
Materials:
“Snow Baby” by Image Books
Books for every season
Books incorporating every culture
Books that include androgynous career roles.
Beginning: Read “Snow Baby” by Image Books
Middle: Offer each student a book, books should always be available with adequate, quiet space to enjoy the book. The books are free for the children to look at as long as they please.
Earlier: Touch and Feel Books, Books that Make sounds Later: Books on tape, allowing children the opportunity to hear the words and follow along.
End: This activity comes to an end when the children no longer intrigued with the book(s).
Follow-Up Ideas: Creating time in the classroom schedule for reading, along with other daily activities.