What the Discoverer Understands: The Discoverer doesn’t yet understand
words, but he’s becoming more aware of the world around him. He
is starting to recognize some faces, objects, voices and sounds. He turns
his head toward some sounds and voices, especially
Mom’s or Dad’s. He is easily startled by sudden
changes, such as loud noises or fast
movements.
The Discoverer smiles back at a
face that is smiling at him. He watches
your face when you talk to him. An
older Discoverer stops moving when
he hears you call his name and also
starts to understand simple gestures.
For example, when you hold your
arms out, he may lift his arms to be
picked up. Although the Discoverer
doesn’t yet understand your words, he
responds to the tone of your voice and to
familiar situations. Over time, he begins to
anticipate what happens next in daily routines like meals or bath time.
For example, when you’re getting him ready for his bath and he hears the
water running, he may squeal or kick his legs because he’s looking forward
to splashing in the tub. Because he can anticipate, the Discoverer
also enjoys games like Peekaboo and Tickle.
Communicator
When you consistently respond to your child’s messages, gradually
he makes the exciting and powerful connection that what he does has
an effect on those around him. He now understands that he can make
things happen. For example, he realizes that when he holds his arms
up, you pick him up, and when he makes a sound, you pay attention to
him. Reaching this new understanding of the world is called making
the communication connection. When your child makes the
communication connection, he becomes a Communicator.