Building Blocks

15 Months 13-15 Months Typical Development o Walks 11-15 months o Crawls up stairs Normal Development � Several words are spoken in a variety of speech sounds � Can walk with good balance � Creeps up stairs � Throws ball overhand � Stacks objects � Displays independent behavior � Holds own cup � Can bring spoon to mouth Developmental Problems � No words heard � Speech sounds are only vowels Red Flags for Developmental Problems t Cannot sit with back straight o Squats to pick-up toys o Throws ball overhand o Stacks objects o Holds own cup to drink o Brings spoon to mouth: may spill some of food o Uses several words with a variety of speech sounds o Displays independent behavior

t Walks up on toes most of the time t Arms are held stiffly close to body t Uses one arm to play most of the time t Does not use arms, legs and/or hands well to play or feed self t Uses only vowel sounds to talk: a, e, o, oo

� “Toe” walking is seen � Arms are held stiffly � Cannot sit with back straight � Uses one arm in play � Cannot use arms, legs, or hands well during play or self-feeding � Cannot follow simple commands Activities to Enhance Development Provide for a variety of experiences Baby-proof your house to provide a safe environment Cuddle frequently Stacking towers or toys that fit together Provide own dish, cup and spoon Give lots of attention to efforts Look at child when he talks to you

t Does not speak using clear words t Cannot follow simple commands

Wooden blocks Empty containers Big outdoor toys Pushing, pulling, poking Identify or imitate sounds for your child Appropriate Toys • Stacking or nesting toys • Blocks, balls • Empty containers • Action toys - something happens when button is pushed • Riding toys • Playground and moving toys: swings, slides, spinning Activities to Enhance Development • Baby-proof your house for safety • Provide a variety of experiences and ways to play • Play push, pull and poke games • Cuddle frequently • Give lots of attention for child’s efforts: yea, good job • Look at child when he/she talks to you • Identify or imitate sounds for your child • Encourage feeding self: provide own dish, spoon, cup • Read to your child, point to pictures, encourage naming pictures

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