Chalk Board Word Wall

Inspiration: Chalk board paint

Target Goal: Acquisition of early language

Age: 1 year or when your baby begins to say their first words.  For children who have language delays this project could work at any age.

Supplies:

Chalk board (directions to make chalk board below)

Chalk

Items of your choice to hang the chalk board (screws/drill)

1) Buy a chalk board or make a chalk board(see below) and hang it on a wall in your house.

2) On the chalk board write the words you hear your child saying.

3) Fill up the chalk board with the words and read them to your child daily to reinforce the words.

To make your own chalk board:

Supplies:

Piece of wood 

Chalk Board Paint

Paint brush

Chalk

Screws and plastic mirror mounting brackets 

Directions:

1) Buy a piece of wood sold at a hard ware store.  At home depot there is a section of pre cut pieces of wood and manufactured wood in the building supplies. I found a piece that was 2ft wide by 4ft tall.  You want to use something that is light weight so that you can hang it easily on the wall.  

2) Paint one side of the board let it dry and paint a second coat.  Chalk board paint works best with multiple layers of paint.

3) Hang the board on the wall with mirror mounting brackets see image below.

4) On the chalk board write the words you hear your child saying.

5) Fill up the chalk board with the words and read them to your child daily to reinforce the words.

First Words:

It is never too early to begin to communicate with your child. Babies begin to make sounds and babble at 6-8 months. When you hear your child babble, babble back to them. Encourage the back and forth interaction of communication from the beginning. Label and give everything a name. During meal time talk about what your children are eating and drinking. During bath time label the shampoo and the wash cloth. Give toys names and play with your children often. Lastly, there can never be enough emphasis placed on the importance of reading to your children. Read signs, labels, cereal boxes and books to them. Try to make every experience a fun learning opportunity.  

Enjoy!