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

Subdomain: Learning to Communicate

Goal: Children speak audibly and express thoughts, and feelings, and ideas clearly.

Skill Progression: Language production

Age: 6-8 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 6-8 Months.

Observe the infant during face-to-face interaction with an adult and during daily routines.

The adult may elicit a protest by removing something the child wants, such as a toy or bottle.

The infant uses a loud vocalization or cry to protest.

Encourage the adult to interpret the sounds the child makes as having a communicative intent by commenting on what he thinks the child wants. For example, say, “Oh, you want the bottle back?” and hand the bottle back. Or, “You like me to blow on your tummy, don’t you. Here I come again!” These communications let the child know that her vocal efforts are read and responded to, thus encouraging further vocalizations.