| 4-6 MONTHS |
| The onset of the next developmental phase can be quite evident to parents as babies will begin to show physical responses and reactions to familiar faces and the world around him or her. The primary senses of hearing, smell, vision and touch are becoming more receptive and the baby will start to make conscious connections and draw conclusions about his or her surroundings as these senses are utilized. |
| COMMUNICATION : | |||||
From the previous section (0-3 Months), we learned that repetition and continuity are the cornerstones of progressive learning. At this stage, babies will begin to display these crucial aspects innately to master newly developed skills. Upon learning a new syllable or consonant sound, a baby will repeat (quite often) the new sound -- many times for self-amusement. Parents should utilize the baby's natural interest in a newly acquired syllable sound and help the baby advance the syllable into a closely associated word. Rather than mimic the babble, repeat back a closely associated word instead when the baby is practicing a new syllable sound to promote overall language development. Use objects whenever possible for visual association. Example: When the baby is practicing the "bah bah bah" sound, slowly repeat back, "baaall, baaall, baaall" while showing a brightly colored ball. | HAND-EYE COORDINATION : | ||||
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A baby's fine motor skills will be developing rapidly now especially hand-eye coordination. One developmental milestone in this area is reaching and grabbing which are two physical motions that indicate curiosity and interest (both essential in the learning process). Further develop hand-eye coordination by encouraging the baby to reach and grab by placing or dangling a favorite toy just out of the baby's reach.
Where's your nose? More than a time-old baby game, it encourages interactive communication skills (by asking the question, pausing then responding) and further refines hand-eye coordination (by pointing to your nose when responding "here it is"). Parents can utilize a variation of this learning game to reinforce throughout the day active teaching lessons and encourage the baby's interaction simply by asking and pointing. Example: Place a bright, red object in the room and ask the baby, "where's red?" Pause, intentionally look around and clearly point to the object and say, "here's red!" Repeat often and integrate into everyday conversation with the baby. As this phase progresses, begin utilizing everyday items in your surroundings, however, target objects that clearly indicate one color so as not to confuse the baby with various shades or objects with more than one color. | CAUSE and EFFECT : | ||||
| As a baby's natural learning mechanisms continue to develop, action events that have a cause and effect will become increasingly interesting (as well as amusing) to babies. You may notice the onset of this phase when the baby begins to throw an empty plate or bottle to the ground to see you pick it up or banging on objects to produce a loud sound. Introduce productive toys that will not only captivate this budding interest but simultaneously enhance spatial reasoning skills and increase problem solving skills like shape sorter toys and building blocks. Help the baby insert the correct shape into the appropriate opening and overtly praise the baby when it goes in or build up 4 or 5 blocks and knock them down with an air of surprise. | |||||
| Remember to vocally reinforce shapes during playtime with a shape sorter but do not mix lessons at this point (like stating "red square" or "blue circle"). Since it can be difficult obtaining uncolored shapes, it is suggested not to use colored shapes to teach or reinforce colors until the baby has demonstrated a clear understanding of taught colors. | |||||
| When utilizing any teaching aids such as shape sorter toys, it is vital to choose aids that are simple and clear to avoid unnecessary confusion during the initial learning process. For instance, when choosing a shape sorter, avoid shapes with letters, numbers or images written on them as they can be distracting and hinder understanding. Some ideal examples are below: | |||||
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| ACTIVE TEACHING CONTINUES : | |||||
| By the end of this phrase, parents can begin varying active teaching lessons from the last section to simultaneously strengthen other skills like hand-eye coordination. During optimized learning times, sit the baby down on the floor (provide support if needed) and review colors from previous lessons. Pick 3 different solid-colored objects (like 3 blocks) on the floor in front of the baby just out of his or her reach. Encourage the baby to reach for and grab one of the objects by asking the baby to find one of the colors. When first introducing this exercise, demonstrate and help familiarize the baby by asking the question, pausing, then clearly point to the correct object and repeat the color name. Pick up the correct object, show the baby and reiterate the color name again. | |||||
| As this phase progresses, so does the baby's vision and ability to distinguish additional color shades and small details. Continue adding additional colors to the baby's palette and teach colors like green, purple, orange, brown and gray. Continue to teach one color at a time and reiterate previously taught colors throughout the day. | |||||
| Following colors, begin to actively teach the baby shapes (starting with the basics: circle, square, triangle and star). It is best to not introduce the rectangle or oval shapes until the basic shapes are clearly understood so as not to cause unnecessary confusion. Utilize the same methodology as when teaching colors. During optimized learning times, show the baby a clear visual (flashcard, object or shapes book with only one particular shape displayed on each page). Remember to keep the visual simple and clear. Point to the visual and showly annunciate with elaborate mouth display the shape name. Repeat several times during each teaching session over the course of several days. Review previously taught shapes before introducing new ones. | |||||
| PLAN OF ACTION : | |||||
| MONTHS 4-6: | |||||
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