Joint Attention (module 1)

Language & Literacy

Joint Attention

the child focuses on same object or event as the caregiver at the same time

When does the joint attention skill develop?

birth to 6 months typically developing babies engage in joint attention w/ adult

Example of joint attention

if toy is out, child looks at toy, then parents, then back at toy

Joint Attention is the basis of ___?

communicative interaction

How many phases does joint attention have?

4

when does phase 1 develop?

4-6 WEEKS

Example of phase 1 of joint attention

adult places an object where the child can see it, then calls attention to the object.

when do typically developing babies learn to recognize the melody of the adults voice as a signal to play?

6 months

When does phase 2 of joint attention develop?

7 MONTHS

During Phase 2

typically developing babies try to intentionally communicate w/ adult caregivers.

Example of phase 2

child might point to an object of interest & look at adults as if to ask for it.

By 7 Months (phase 2)

we see point/slight interest toward object

By 8 Months

intentionally use gestures (reaching/pointing) then look to adult

When does Phase 3 start

Between 8-12 MONTHS

phase 3

children pair gestures w/ vocalizations to show an interest in objects

Example of phase 3

a child might vocalize & point to an object on shelf to ask for it.

Phase 4 begins

By 12 MONTHS

What happens during phase 4

children begin to NAME objects & events

First word age

12 MONTHS

Examples of phase 4

child might look at the family dog and say doggie or a child might say out when they want to go outside. Says up when wanting to be picked up.

when do children start controlling the topic of sentences

This happens during phase 4, around 12 months, when first word utterances emerge.

Issues w/ joint attention may indicate language disorder.

True

Issues w/ Joint Attention

-indicates language disorder

-shifting attention is challenging 4 kids w/ LD

-Red flag 4 autism

Ideas to Establish Joint Attention (Weitzman & Greenberg (2002) #1

1. When the child plays w/ a toy & looks at you (even briefly) say something to get your child’s attention!

Ideas to Establish Joint Attention (Weitzman & Greenberg (2002) #2

2. Sing a nursery rhyme, sing a song, or whistle (auditory input) to get child’s attention. Comment on their action (verbal scaffolding- oh you pushed the button to play a song), hand movements (finger play)

Ex: if child presses a button on music box/toy to play a song…

Whistle/hum along w/ music

Do this to let the child know you are there AND you are interested in what child is doing!

Ideas to Establish Joint Attention (Weitzman & Greenberg (2002) #3

3. Make an interesting noise!

Ex: look at baby & pretend to sneeze. Pause, make eyes wide & say AH AH CHOOOO!

Child may laugh or look at you when pretending to sneeze

Another example Tongue clicking sound to get baby to interact and establish joint attention.

Ideas to Establish Joint Attention (Weitzman & Greenberg (2002) #4

4. Imitate the child’s sounds/actions!

Ex: if child makes a sound like ba ba ba, imitate what your child says.

Look at child, smile and say sound like bababa and I see you

Ideas to Establish Joint Attention (Weitzman & Greenberg (2002) #5

5. Say the childs name! (want to say name a lot in multiple situations but you can also be intentional with it here. )

Ex Hold your child up to mirror & say name

If child s stone, say stone stone I see you stone and if baby glances at you (even briefly) act excited and say child name again!

(vary vocalization, pitch, rate, tone, etc…)