8-12 Months: Baby Talk -- Observation Record

How does the baby show his understanding of gestures and words?

Babies show they understand what's being said to them by responding to the gestures and words they see and hear most often. As routines become established, babies demonstrate they are beginning to feel comfortable with things happening in predictable ways.

The baby might do one or more of the following:

• Answer you–point to the banana on his tray when you ask, "Where is your banana?"
• Look forward to what's next–giggle even before "This Little Piggy" is finished because he knows what will happen at the end.
• Show you–put a block in a cup, then take it out when you point and ask, "Where did the block go?"
• Connect to books–put his hand right beside yours when you are pointing to the picture you are reading about.
• React to you–start to cry, or turn away when you say, "It's time for bed."

How does this baby show understanding of tone and gestures? (Indicate dates.)

How does the baby use gestures and sounds to communicate?

At this stage, babies begin to make consistent sounds and use them to communicate. They often use their own wordlike sounds to label familiar people or objects. They continue to express feelings and desires through sounds, facial expressions, and gestures.

The baby might do one or more of the following:

• Let you know it's no go–shake his head or turn away when he sees the washcloth in your hand.
• Show it's playtime–start a game of peekaboo or "Where's Baby?" by hiding his face in his bib or his hands.
• Indicate satisfaction–push his cup away when he's finished drinking.
• Invite a conversation–babble away when someone is nearby, as though talking to him or her.
• Motion to get down–lift his arms toward you when he wants to get down from his high chair.

In what ways does this baby use sounds to communicate? (Include dates.)