• Talk to your baby from birth!
• Talk about what you are doing and what is going on around him/her. Use your hands or gestures and other means of visual communication. Speak in short simple sentences. Don't "baby talk".
• During the first years of life, imitate your child's sounds.
• Give sound-making toys to your child.
• Read to your child using bright colorful picture books. Involve your child in reading the story.
• Sing to your child.
• Play with your child. Use "peek-a-boo", "pattycake", and fingerplays.
• Involve your child in household activities.
• Make speaking and listening fun!