LittlEARS Item 15
15. Does your child listen on the telephone and do they seem to recognize that somebody is talking?
Your child is aware that the telephone is something that they can hear. Your child is aware that the phone makes noise. Your child might look at the phone, handle it, hold it to their ear, smile or laugh, approach the phone, attempt to engage.
Example Situation
Someone calls on the telephone. After handing your child the telephone, they recognize the voice by: smiling and/or changing facial expression. Your child may also "confirm" understanding by checking in with you (the parent) by making eye contact with you, smiling, vocalizing, etc. While on the phone, your child will demonstrate understanding by: vocalizing, saying the person's name, smiling, laughing, etc.
Modeling holding the phone up to your ear
Draw attention to the telephone ringing - I hear it.
Connect the telephone by physically bringing the phone over to the child, "someone is talking to you".
"I hear Auntie Blair on the phone! She wants you to say HIIII". Model, "Hi Auntie Blair!"
Child will imitate.
Person on the phone reinforces behavior.
