Friday, March 5, 2010

Vocabulary List and Speech

Matthew signs some words but doesn't say words clearly yet. I've always wondered how many words he understood. A good tip I picked up from watching Discovery: Pathways to Better Speech for Children with Down Syndrome was: Keep a list of words the child understands and work on adding more. For words the child knows, work on getting him to say them.
So I listed the words that Matthew understands as of today. He is 2-1/2 years old. It was a fun exercise and I'm tickled to see the long list (and I think I'm even missing a few words).



































































































































































































































all donedownnight nighttable
appledrinknoteddy bear
applesaucedrumnoseteeth
aroundearsontelephone
babyeatopenthrow
balleyesouttickle
bathfeedpantstoes
bedfeetpeartouch
belly buttonfingerspick uptree
blankiefishplaytriangle
blinkfruitpleasetummy/ belly
blocksgivepointturn
blowgopoptwist
blueGrandmapourup
bookGrandpapourwaffle
brushgreenpushwalk
bubbleshairpuzzlewash
buttonhandsredwater
byehatrollwave
carheadscoopwhere
cathelpscrubwiggle
cerealhishakewipe
chairhopsheepyellow
chinhorseshirtyogurt
circlehugshoulders
claphurtsit
cleaninsleep
closejuiceslide
coldjumpsocks
colorkickspoon
countkisssquare
cowkneessqueeze
crackerslegsquish
cuplookstack
Daddymilkstairs
diapermirrorstand
dogMommy/ Mamastar
doormorestep
doorbellmouthstomp
dotmusicstop


I'm not sure if there is a specific list of words kids generally need to learn according to their age or if it matters. I came across some vocabulary checklists on the DownsEd site but they are not free. There are no sample pages so I don't know what the lists include.

We've also had more speech progress recently. Two weeks ago, Matthew started saying "ba" for "ball" while signing it. He's also been trying to say a few words. They may not be exactly how the words sound but he has consistent sounds for each of them.

1. Daddy (da)
2. cat (aa)
3. eat (t)
4. ball (ba)
5. cow (ow)
6. down (da or dow)
7. kiss (iss)
8. jump (da)
9. more (o)
10. all done (a da OR da)
11. milk (k)
12. apple (a)
13. dog (g)
14. bath (ba)
15. shoes (oo)
16. stairs (sss)
17. Grandpa (pa pa)
18. fish (ish)
19. crackers (krk)
20. sheep (baa baa)
21. waffle (ba ba)
22. hop (pa)
23. please (isss)
24. twist (tis)
25. bye (ba)
26. juice (oos)

What inspired Matthew to say "ba" for "ball"?
Not me.
Not his speech therapist.

Would you believe that I owe this speech breakthrough to the 'Curious Buddies: Look and Listen at the Park' DVD?!

9 comments:

Rosa said...

It is so exciting he is becoming more and more vocal. One day, he will talk without stopping. My ST suggested to buy a voice activated toy to encourage our son to say words.

Anna said...

I love reading your posts and suggestions. Thank you for this one too! I am looking forward to traveling to Ecuador and meeting our daughter. She only comprehends spanish and doesnt speak. I am hoping to be as prepared as possible to facilitate communication and our bonding..... thank you for new hints and tips.

RK said...

That is a GREAT list! Way to go Matthew!!!!

(By the way, we miss you guys!)

Michelle said...

that's great that he's starting to make sounds for those words; won't be long before they turn in to words!

Jennifer said...

Yeah for Matthew!!

Little J just started pointing to a bumblebee on one of his toys and saying ee. It's so cute.

Thanks for the pointing posts. That really triggered my desire to share pointing books with Little J and now he's pointing on command to bee, puppy and fish.

Thank you for your informative posts. I enjoy them.

Julie said...

I need to sit down and make a list like that. I also should have stayed in the speech workshop with you instead of the other one. It didn't apply to us at all.

It was nce to see you! You're adorable! I can't wait to meet your new little cutie!

To Love Endlessly said...

I love that LONG list of words that Matthew understands. How great! I just made a list of Marissa's sign words last night AND bookmarked the downsed site last night to decide on buying that list or not. too funny.

Beverly said...

so very exciting. I used to love to add to the word list too.

Runningmama said...

Thanks for this post and Matthew is doing great!