Baby talk programe

[cori]

I was whether any one had any success with the'Baby Talk programe' to improve there sons/daughters language development?
As mentioned before , my son almost 17 months does not really use any words on a regular basis. Though he does point and draw my attention to things.

I've got the baby talk book and have found it very useful in terms of understanding language development, and in terms of how I can best use language to help ds. I haven't really followed the 'programme' as such, and haven't been thinking in terms of 'success' - I did originally buy it when I thought he was a bit slow in babbling, but now I am completely reassured that he is developing completely appropriately. I really just wanted to understand more, as I find it really fascinating. HTH

I've not heard of Baby Talk but just to reassure you, Cori, DS2 rarely said anything comprehensible on a regular basis until he started nursery in January (22 months old). This morning, he came up to me and said "I've got mine blue plate" and presented me with his breakfast plate.

cori - I found the book really good in some respects and extremely frustrating in others.

My ds was under all the "milestones" right up until 15 months when he said his first word. I almost binned the book at this point because it was just depressing! (I have to say I didn't follow it to the letter and still don't - but use some of the general principles of focussed play on a regular basis) Now at 2 years old he's actually in advance of some of the things he's supposed to be doing, so I think take the "your child should be doing this" with a large pinch of salt.

I found the age related toy selections really superb - it really helped to get a feel for what ds would enjoy playing with at each stage. Didn't find the book lists as helpful though.

The focussed play suggestions aren't really unique either I don't think - I've found them in a few parenting books now.

GeorginaA, my ds was the same - but as long as he avoided the 'cause for concern' criteria I decided I wouldn't worry...certainly when I first got the book and he was around 10 months, he was closer to the 6-9 month stage she describes. I think I've just found it reassuring (and interesting) that he is following an appropriate developmental sequence.

Oh and I tended to ignore the bits where the book said avoid TV Especially where it says not to show any programmes which have unrealistic parts like talking animals or trains as children won't understand that real animals and trains don't talk!! What rubbish! Am pretty sure ds at 2 knows that real tractors won't talk to him despite his fondness for Bob the Builder...

I'm with Georgina and Elliott on this, Cori - I found the book really interesting in terms of explaining how children acquire language, and I thought the "play" sections particularly useful. But I didn't really follow the programme as such...talking was one of the few "milestones" that ds reached early. See if you can borrow a copy from a friend or the library first, to save you a few pence.

My daughter is just about 15 months and says only bye bye. But, I always have to say to her while she's waving, "say bye bye" and she will. Other than than she isn't saying much either, but knows what everything means. She knows more than I give her credit for. Sometimes she surprises. BUT, she still isn't saying much. My father in law says she's more of a "thinker" than a talker. I'm sure your son is fine. Plus, boys are usually not as quick to talk as girls.

I was given it as a present and find it fascinating. I don't consciously follow it as a programme but I've probably absorbed all the advice about following the baby's focus of interest and talking about what interests her, not asking too many questions that can't be answered, not expecting babies to 'perform', reading lots of books, etc. My dd is 17 months now and uses up to 20 words (favourite words now are 'up', 'more', 'daddy', 'mummy', 'cat', 'ball','bees', 'eyes', 'hat' etc. some of which are from books). I have no idea whether that's because the approach 'works' as I suspect they're all genetically programmed to develop at their own rate and can stick at one stage for a while before leaping on in fits and bounds.

just googled interesting research (or review of research) on TV and language development although maybe this has been on other threads. It's kind of good and bad, all things in moderation and age-appropriate, etc.

here

I'm really interested in this thread. Would someone let me know the name/author of this book? I've looked on amazon and there are a few with Baby Talk in the title. Thx.

Portree - it's by Sally Ward - I think it's been released under various different cover editions and formats now.

Ds1 had an informal 3 year check yesterday and according to the HV he has the language ability of a 4 year old, which is nice to know. Not sure if it's anything to do with what I did, but does brilliantly demonstrate that not meeting the "milestones" in the book at the younger ages doesn't really signify much in the longer term!

It's Baby Talk by Sally Ward - she's a speech therapist. Forget the Amazon blurb (see here )about it being a revolutionary new programme - there are really interesting chapters about development milestones which can be read just out of interest.

Good to hear how well your ds is doing GeorginaA. I think the nice thing about this book is that even if your child isn't hitting the milestones there's a suggestion that they can catch up later, and the advice is practical enough to feel that you are doing what you can to give encouragement. And just to enjoy communicating.

Thanks.