Domain: NC Foundations for Early Learning: Language Development and Communication (LDC)

Subdomain: Learning to Communicate

Goal: Children respond to and use a growing vocabulary.

Skill Progression: Respond to and use a growing vocabulary

Age: 4-6 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 4-6 Months.

Observe the infant in face-to-face communication with the adult.

The adult talks to the infant and obtains eye contact, waits for the infant to make a noise, then makes simple sounds in return.

The infant makes vocalizations in response to the adult’s communication. When the adult makes simple sounds the infant may imitate the sounds.

Help early childhood educators and parents understand that imitation of sounds is a first step toward speech. Adults need to talk to the child about objects, people and actions as they interact with the child. Read books and talk about pictures.