Peek-a-boo! The perfect pre-language game!
Peek-a-boo is one of those games that so many of us have played with babies. Why? It’s engaging, easy, and fun! Speech therapists love this easy game because it teaches SO MANY pre-language skills and you can do it ANYWHERE and with ANYONE!
What are pre-language skills?
Pre-language skills (also called pre-linguistic or pre-verbal skills) are the skills babies need to develop BEFORE they can begin talking! A pre-language skill is how your baby communicates with you non-verbally. These fun interactions between you and your child are necessary before your child can begin developing words, as they demonstrate that your baby understands the INTENTION behind communication!
Pre-language skills that are important for your baby to develop:
Joint-attention: Shared focus on an action/object
Imitation: imitating a sound, action, or expression you make
Turn Taking: being able to take turns, either by initiating or responding
Gestures: using a gesture with meaning (such as pointing or reaching)
Eye contact: using eye contact to get your attention or communicate
Facial Expressions: those sweet smiles of happiness, or pouty lips of sadness (all the feelings)
Understanding routines
Listening to sounds and directions
Using those sweet coos and babbles to engage with others!
Peek-a-boo is the perfect pre-language game!
It requires ATTENTION from your baby!
Your baby learns to IMITATE you!
Peek-a-boo teaches TURN-TAKING!
It is a simple way to engage in PLAY!
We use GESTURES (covering the face) with this fun game!
There are so many ways to tie in different verbal routines to teach LANGUAGE!
Fun ways to play Peek-a-Boo!
For infants under 6 months, take the lead with this game! Try covering your face just a little, then slowly revealing your face and saying, “Peek-a-boo!” When baby smiles, giggles, or, shows excitement, you can say, “Again?” and then start over! If your baby is able to grab, it’s fun to let them grab the blanket from over your face!
As your baby gets older, they will understand that you are behind the hands or under the blanket and will initiate finding you! Sometimes, babies will squeal or vocalize when they want you to uncover, which is a great precursor to using words. React to to their vocalizations by revealing your face and saying “Peek-a-boo!” Then say, “Again?” or “More?” (you can even use this as an opportunity to teach the baby sign for again and more). This simple activity is so engaging and can be done while waiting in line at the grocery store, sitting outside with the stroller, or just hanging out at home. It’s also a great way to get grandparents and other family members to build a bond with your baby!
Verbal routines with Peek-a Boo!
Peek-a-boo is a fun way to teach different verbal routines and encourage those first words! You can change “Peek-a-boo” to “Where’s Mommy? Where’s baby (use your child’s name)?” It’s also fun to use routines like, “One . . . two . . . three . . . PEEK!” or even “Ready . . . set . . . GO!” The predictability of the peek-a-book format is a great way to build in different verbal routines all while engaging with your baby anywhere and anytime!
