Copying baby’s sounds Activity
Babies are born wired to communicate. When baby makes a sound and you respond, you are supporting their language development as well as their understanding of turn-taking in a conversation. Every opportunity to ‘talk’ with each other is important.
Why do it?
- When whānau copy baby’s sounds, they’re telling baby that they’ve heard baby’s sound, and that they can make that sound too.
- When baby hears whānau copying their sounds, this encourages baby to keep making them, which in turn strengthens their ability to continue making sounds (and trying new ones).
- Copying baby’s sounds (for example, baby’s turn, parent’s turn) also helps baby learn about taking turns in a conversation.
How to do it
- Do this activity when baby is relaxed and ready for some interaction.
- Whānau can wait for baby to make a sound and then copy it.
- Or they can get the conversation going with a sound they know baby can make.
- Leave a space for baby to have their ‘say’ before ‘replying’.
Using more te reo Māori
| Te reo Māori | English |
|---|---|
| Whakarongo | Listen |
| Kōrero | Talk, communicate |
| Kōrero mai | Talk to me |
| Waiata mai | Sing to me |
| Tino pai koe ki te kōrero | You're very good at talking |
| Kū | Coo |
| Rōreka | Sweet singing, tuneful |
| Tatari | To wait |
| Oriori | Lullaby |
| Whakahuahua | To imitate or mimic |
| Pārore | To be relaxed |
| Taupua | To support |
| Whāngai kupu | Prompting |
| Umere(tia) | Applaud, cheer |
| Ka pai koe | Well done you |
| Kātahi te pēpi mōhio, ko koe | What a clever baby you are |
