Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Finally, Some Words

In the past few weeks, Sebastian and Collette have made some big strides in the language department. Of course, this happens right before Sebastian starts speech therapy (in partnership with his EI therapy) but no matter. I'm just happy that they both have found ways to express themselves.

Both Sebastian and Collette have added a few spoken words to their vocabulary, as well as some signs. Here is where they both are to date.

Sebastian's spoken words:
  • Car
  • Ball
  • Dada
  • Mama
  • Doggie
Sebastian's signs:
  • Help
  • Please
  • More
  • All Done
  • Eat
Collette's spoken words:
  • No
  • Nose
  • More
  • Up
  • Dada
  • Mama
  • Doggie
Collette's signs:
  • Help
  • Please
  • More
  • All Done
  • Eat
  • Blankie
  • Yes (nodding)
The signs for "help" and "please" have been especially useful - I think Sebastian has been less fussy since discovering a way to ask for things. His frustration level comes down the instant I ask him if he needs help (and then he signs it if he does) - you can see the look on his face change when he realizes that I finally understand him. Collette uses the sign for "blankie" when she gets upset or frustrated as that is her comfort object. For instance, we were playing with some stacking cups during EI today and she got mad about something and immediately signed blanket (and then found it) and all was right in her world again.

Of course I want to focus on their spoken vocabulary but they seem to learn what they want. I tried to teach Sebastian to say "up" for weeks, to no avail. And now, with no pressure from me, he is saying "car." I'm sure I taught him this word - we see enough cars in a day - but I wasn't making a special effort. Yet, that's one of his 5 words. I'll keep trying, because it's my job, but I get the feeling that he will progress as his own pace and say the words he is interested in saying. Which is what all those wise, wise people have told me from the get go. Ah well. Lesson learned :)

7 comments:

  1. Wohoo! Isn't language the best? I love it when they start getting words.

    And, for the record, Daniel's first word (and sign) was "light." The kid loved turning the lights on and off. What can I say?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Buba didn't really start talking until he was about 16 months old (also right before he began speech services through EI), but I seem to remember he made pretty good progress once he finally got started. And it also cut down on the amount of frustration screaming he was doing. At 2 years, 2 months old, is speech is pretty close to what it should be developmentally, and I love that I can tell him to "use your words" instead of crying when he needs help or wants something. Just you wait. Your kiddos will be there before you know it!

    ReplyDelete
  3. My kids just started a month ago so sounds like your kids are actually on track fine. And it EXPLODES. I love when they say help - comes out as "hop". Ned's favorite word is "ruck" and sounds like Sebby might end up there too with his love of cars. Penny gets her re-val at EI today and we're going to be kicked out of the program. Not sure what to do since they love the playgroup - pay for it? They do let community kids in. Anyway, we can discuss tonight when I drag my very pregnant self over to your house.

    ReplyDelete
  4. So exciting! Jackson only had a few words at 18 months old and then they just started pouring out... and they haven't stopped since!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Yeah for words and signs!! (And for getting the frustration level down!) It's amazing to watch :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Our girls are 16 months old, and it's so amazing to watch and listen to them. They have a few clearly recognizable words, but most of their others are the beginning sound of the word, accompanied by the sign. "Buh" while signing "book", for example. I'm so thankful we've been using sign language. Otherwise I'm afraid I might not give them enough credit.

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.