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Voice play From two or three months old, babies may be exploring their own vocal play, first by cooing, then by babbling. Then towards the end of the first year, they play with early word sounds.

From two or three months old, babies may be exploring their own vocal play, first by cooing, then by babbling. Then towards the end of the first year, they play with early word sounds.

Adults and children can use voice play to support babies' and toddlers'

pre-verbal expressions. Playing with voice sounds with children under two helps them to focus on individual language sounds, and to watch how they are formed in the mouth. Voice play also helps young children to be creative and playful with sounds.

Here are some ideas:

* Listen to babies' voice sounds and copy them. Stop and watch what happens. Does she wait and then do the same again, or is it different? See what happens when you change your sound: try making it longer, or shorter or louder or quieter.

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