Amara’s older brother, Jamal, waves his hands and sings “Clap Your Hands” with her in the living room.  Amara, delighted, watches closely and soon claps along, her tiny hands smacking together.  The family cheers and makes up a new “hello” dance that becomes their special morning greeting. 

Aims: 
Encourage babies to use gestures and respond to repetition. 

Goals: 

• Build early communication with gestures. 

• Support memory and learning through repeated routines 

Objectives: 

• Copy simple gestures (wave, clap, reach) 

• Anticipate familiar songs and routines. 

Transformation: 
Baby begins to join in “conversations” before words. 

Foundation: 
Repetition and routine 

What Happens Next: 
More advanced gestures and imitation 

Skill Progression: 

• Copying gestures 

• Anticipating routines 

Activities List: 

• Play “Wave Bye-Bye” and “Clap Your Hands” 

• Repeat favorite songs and encourage movement. 

• Use consistent gestures for daily routines. 

Materials: 
Scarves, rattles, favorite songs 

Differentiation: 

• Model and guide hands for slow-to-gesture babies 

• Add movement for highly active babies. 

Integration: 
Use gestures and repetition at every transition (bedtime, leaving the house) 

Parent Simulation Tip: 
Make up a family “hello” or “goodbye” gesture 

Interactive Activities: 

• Individual: Mirror practice with waving/clapping 

• Group: Family “gesture parade” 

Activity Pack: Please print the accompanying activity pack for this lesson.