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When your baby is starting to approach their first birthday, they might be approaching the time they say their first words too. But how can you help them on the way?
We spoke to the experts and it turns out the answer is simple - pay attention to the things they're most interested in as they look and listen to the world around them and talk to them about those things.
Watch the video below to find out more.
Do you know, babies are really focusing on what's around them and notice if you share what they're interested in too? Clever hey?!
Tune into what's holding their focus and talk about it with them.
This shared interest is called 'joint attention'.Babies are aware that you and they are sharing this interest together. And they're also starting to understand what your words mean.
Tune in and talk about what your baby is interested in. You're helping them connect words with meanings, so keep doing it!
What does 'joint attention' mean?
Joint attention is a really simple idea - it just means taking notice of all the little things that your baby is interested in and paying attention to the same things as you talk to them.
So for example, if your baby's attention is captured by a particular teddy, talk to them about that teddy - 'that's teddy, he's nice and soft.' If they seem particularly interested in the teddy's nose, talk to them about that part - 'that's his little nose'.
Why is joint attention good for language learning?
Your baby will soon realise that you're both paying attention to the same things.
This helps them to tune into your words and start to connect the words you're saying with the things you're both focussed on.
Over time, the more you repeat the same words as you both focus on those things, the stronger the connection is formed in their minds between those things and the words they hear.
How to encourage joint attention
There are many ways you can help your baby develop joint attention skills. We've listed a couple below:
- Practice joint attention as part of your daily routine, during tasks such as brushing teeth or at bath and mealtimes.
- Playing hide the toy helps teach your child to follow your gaze, point and head turns.
