Friday, July 31, 2009

Imitating Movements

One of first ways that children learn how to speak and communicate is to copy or imitate movements that they see.

By helping and encouraging your preemie to imitate movements, your can improve eye contact, interaction and communication. Find various times throughout the day to encourage your preemie to imitate various movements. Start by doing the movement yourself a few times and then encourage him/her to do the same movement. Make sure you praise any attempt at imitation.

Here are some activities and movements to get you and your preemie started:

  • Clapping
  • Waving
  • Blowing a kiss
  • Brushing hair
  • Knocking down blocks
  • Stirring with a spoon
  • Brushing teeth
  • Blowing bubbles
  • Pushing a car
  • Banging blocks or other objects together
  • Pushing buttons
  • Throwing a ball
  • Putting a hat on

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