Why Teach This Early?
Pointing shows joint attention - a crucial social-cognitive skill.
Progressive Sub-Goals
Introduction
Target: 10-12 monthsPoints to objects of interest
💡 Tip: Pointing is a major milestone! Name what they point to.
Developing
Target: 12-15 monthsUses gestures to communicate (waving, clapping)
💡 Tip: Teach simple signs: more, all done, milk. Gestures bridge to words.
Mastery
Target: 15-20 monthsCombines gestures with words to communicate
💡 Tip: Respond to all communication attempts. They're working hard!
Teaching Tips
- 1Model gestures frequently
- 2Respond enthusiastically to pointing
Global Context
Baby sign language is popular worldwide for reducing frustration before speech.
Learning Resources
Raising a Socially Successful Child: Teaching Kids the Nonverbal Language They Need to Communicate, Connect, and Thrive by Dr. Stephen Nowicki
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