learning to speak

Joe's little sister Minnie might not be speaking many comprehendible words, but everyday she understands a wider selection. We thought it would be a good idea to record some of these words for posterity, as my memory of dates  of even the major milestones of Joe's life so far, seem to have disappeared.

This exercise could be adapted for any younger relative or friend, or could be used to record the first words spoken.

1. Make a list of the words either spoken or understood by the younger child. The whole family can join in with this activity, taking the pressure of writing and spelling of the words.
2. Read through the list, and look for words that could make good pictures such as button, dog or ball.
3. Enjoy drawing the chosen shape- in Joe's case an octopus.
4. Write your list of words in the drawing, you can try turning the paper round in circles, changing the size of your letters, using colour, writing the words on a jagged line or a curved line.... in Joe's example instead of drawing the octopus's legs, he used the list of words
5. Keep your artwork as a reminder (for those with failing memories) of your little sister/brothers first steps into language.