our 21-month-old's language and cognitive development: Attention to detail

by Dana Sullivan
New this month: Attention to detail

Not only can your toddler name most of her own body parts now; she can probably name, or at least point to, the same parts on a doll. And you draw a circle on a piece of paper, she'll try to imitate you, though she's still more skilled at drawing vertical lines. She's fascinated with little things, especially bugs (don't be surprised if she tries to eat them!). Part of the reason for this is that she has the coordination now to bend down and pick up small objects. Also, her awareness of her senses is increasing and she's very curious about how different things look, smell, taste, and sound. This month, your toddler may also have the patience to sit and look at a book by herself for a few minutes. And if you give her a large jigsaw puzzle, one with two or three pieces, she should be able to fit the pieces together.

What you can do

Books such as Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown or Good Night, Gorillaby Peggy Rathmann are full of tiny details that toddlers love to seek out. As you read the stories, ask your toddler to find small items in the pictures such as the little mouse or the red balloon. Books that label everyday objects and parts of the human body are also good choices.

Other developments: Vocabulary boosters, silly songs

Experts say that parents who skip the baby talk and speak frequently, clearly, and directly to their child improve their child's chances of speaking with clarity and having a large vocabulary. Silly songs and finger plays can also stimulate both language and thinking skills, and toddlers love them. Some all-time favorites are:

"The Eensy Weensy (or Itsy Bitsy) Spider"

— The eensy, weensy spider climbed up the water spout (touch one thumb to the opposite hand's pinky and alternate to make a climbing motion)
— Down came the rain (wiggle your fingers to make rain)
— And washed the spider out (fling your hands downward and forward)
— Out came the sun (make a circle with your hands)
— And dried up all the rain (open your hands wide, spreading your fingers)
— And the eensy, weensy spider climbed up the spout again (make climbing motion again).