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Copying is an important skill to learn as it involves co-operation and interaction between two people, which is necessary for communication. Games that encourage copying are particularly useful if your child is not talking. Some children may be reluctant or unable to copy, and will need a lot of help. The following ideas should help improve observation and imitation skills, which will be important for the learning of speech or signs.

Early copying

Games that encourage copying are particularly useful if your child is not talking. Some children may be reluctant or unable to copy, and will need a lot of help. The following ideas should help improve observation and imitation skills, which will be important for the learning of speech or signs.

 

You will need; 2 plastic cups, 2 hats, 2 pairs of sunglasses.

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  • Firstly, copy your child’s play. If they put a hat on, you do the same.

  • Later, see if your child will copy your actions.

  • Give them lots of praise and encouragement if they copy what you do!

Copying faces and sounds

Games that encourage copying are particularly useful if your child is not talking. Some children may be reluctant or unable to copy, and will need a lot of help and praise.

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Here are some of our favourite activities:

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  • Make funny faces in the mirror and make funny sounds. Vowel sounds and babble are the easiest to start with, e.g. ahhhhh, oooooo, mamamama, bababa.

  • Try to work on one sound at a time, but make it as natural as possible.

  • Copying sounds should not be too formal at this stage – respond to any sounds your child makes and copy them.

 

Remember we are playing games which encourage copying sounds but do not force your child to copy sounds.

Copying play - Dolls and Teddies

If possible, have one doll or teddy each so that your child has the opportunity to copy your play.

 

Here are several ways in which you could play with dolls or teddies:

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  • Pretend to feed them or give them a drink

  • Make them run, jump or turn somersaults

  • Dress, undress them and put them to bed

  • Wash them and brush their teeth

  • Sit them on a chair or a toy car

  • Hide them

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