Caleb’s Communication Book

Things Caleb likes to do Sing (Itsy Bitsy Spider, Ring Around the Rosie, I’m a Little Tea Pot, Patty-Cake, etc.) Dance Puzzles Shape sorters Playing on a bean bag Bouncing on a ball Playing in water Swinging Book’s aren’t his favorite activity, but they are important so don’t be afraid to have him read a book before doing something else!

Tips for talking with Caleb Caleb’s vocabulary and communication skills are continuing to develop! Be sure to watch his body language and facial expressions to help you figure out what he wants/needs. Remember that Caleb doesn’t always use the correct sign, but as long as he tries to do something close that’s okay. If Caleb uses an incorrect sign, model the appropriate one and then have him use it. Be patient with Caleb and use signs/gestures when you are talking to help him understand you. It’s very important that everyone interacting with Caleb is doing the same things to help him communicate and understand others more effectively. This book will help you to interact with him!

Help Caleb to use his signs/words to tell you what he wants and needs If Caleb doesn’t use a sign, talk, or gesture when he wants something give him a verbal cue such as “Caleb, do you want more?” If he doesn’t respond model the sign and say the word. Wait for him to use the sign and encourage him to make a sound with the sign before responding. If he still doesn’t respond use hand over hand support to help him use the correct sign.

Caleb’s use of the sign for “more” has decreased Caleb’s use of the sign for “more” has decreased. He can make the sign and the “m” sound, but may require a model first.

Caleb uses the sign for “all done” by himself, but sometimes he only uses one hand. Make sure to have him use his voice to try to say “all done” along with the sign. All done

Caleb puts his arms up and says “uh” when he wants to be picked up Caleb puts his arms up and says “uh” when he wants to be picked up. Encourage him to both the sign and the sound before you pick him up. After he indicates that he wants to be picked up say “up” and emphasize the “p” sound. Up

Sometimes Caleb makes sounds signaling “again” Sometimes Caleb makes sounds signaling “again”. He isn’t using this sign yet, but be sure you use it so he can learn. Again

Caleb likes to wave “hello” and “good-bye Caleb likes to wave “hello” and “good-bye.” Help him remember to do this anytime it’s appropriate by saying “Bye/Hi Caleb” and waving to him. Hello Good-bye

Caleb likes to blow kisses!

Caleb likes to give high-fives!

Caleb loves to sing songs Caleb loves to sing songs! He will hold onto your lip to tell you he wants to sing. Try songs like The Itsy Bitsy Spider that have gestures to go with them. Caleb knows the gestures for some songs and especially likes The Itsy Bitsy Spider! Sing

Caleb makes an approximation of the sign for “help   Caleb makes an approximation of the sign for “help.” He usually puts both of his hands in the air. Be sure you use the appropriate sign with the word, but it’s okay if he uses his own sign.

Caleb knows the sign for “open Caleb knows the sign for “open.” Have him request opening doors, containers, etc. Also have him try to say “open” with the sign. Open

Caleb uses the same sign for eat and drink Caleb uses the same sign for eat and drink. It looks close to the true sign for eat. Use the appropriate sign when you talk with Caleb, but know that he may be indicating eat/drink with the same sign. Eat Drink

Caleb knows the sign for “on Caleb knows the sign for “on.” Encourage him to use the sign and vocalize when putting his socks, shoes, etc. on as well as during play.

Caleb knows what this sign means, but isn’t using it himself yet.

Caleb is learning the sign for “in”

Caleb is learning the sign for “out”