Encouraging Your Child to Point

Pointing is one of the first ways that your child will communicate a concrete message to you.

Pointing is important because it allows your child to:

• Show you something they want you to give them. This is called imperative pointing.

• Show you an object or person they are interested in. This is called declarative pointing.

• Draw your attention to something (shared attention).

In fact, in order to be good communicators, children will learn to point first and then add words second.

Like with most skills, they will learn by watching you. So, what can you do to encourage your child to point? Model pointing with your index finger while:

- Looking at pictures in books
- Popping bubbles
- Naming body parts
- Finger painting
- Playing with cause-and-effect toys

Will you try one of these tips? How do you encourage your child to point?

Check out this FREE resource for ways to support your child’s preverbal skills through play.