New Sparking Imitation QuickStarts!
We are updating the Language Pyramid!
This month we are excited to bring new content to our Language Pyramid QuickStarts! The team at Gemiini is always working on new videos to bolster the skills we target in the Language Pyramid. This month, we are making our newest clips more accessible by incorporating them into our Language Pyramid QuickStarts.
New QuickStart Videos in Level 1 - Sparking Imitation
Earlier this month we created two new QuickStart Videos in Level 1 - Sparking Imitation. These two videos use clips that take a kinesthetic approach to encouraging speech by modeling motor and vocal imitation simultaneously.
How to Use the New QuickStart Assignments
We created the new Level 1 videos on April 4, 2018. Students who tested into Level 1 after April 4, 2018 have already been assigned the new videos. Students who tested into Level 1 before April 4, 2018 will not see the newest videos in their assignments. To assign the new videos to these students, follow these steps:
Log in to your parent account.
Click QuickStart Videos.
Click Language Pyramid Videos.
Locate Level 1 - Sparking Imitation and click View All Videos.
Scroll down to the assignments with Vocal Imitation in the title. Click Assign & Play to send these videos to your student's account.
Please note: If your child was assigned Level 1 before April 4, 2018, playing the new Level 1 assignments will not increase the percentage value representing how many Level 1 assignments your child has watched.
Road Map to Imitation
Imitation is a critical preverbal communication skill and is one of the earliest milestones in social interaction. Through imitation, children learn how to pay attention to others, understand social cues, take turns, and follow prompts. These skills are foundational to developing language. Children who demonstrate an ability to imitate are more likely to see gains as they progress through the higher levels of the Language Pyramid.
Level 1 is designed to spark these basic imitation skills. Students in Level 1 are not required to produce any sounds or speech. When you notice your child consistently mimicking 5-10 actions, move on to Level 2.
The sections below describe how to use the different kinds of imitation assignments in Level 1. As you move through the assignments, keep in mind that your student does not need to imitate all of the actions in each video. Keep things fresh. If your child only imitates banging on a drum in the first week, go ahead and choose a new video the next week. Keep this up until your child regularly copies 5 - 10 actions.
Remember: As a parent, you are the expert on your child. Trust your instincts. If you feel that you have sparked imitation and your child is copying you more and more, move on to Level 2.
Imitation with Objects
Many children learn to imitate actions with objects (such as banging on a drum, bouncing a ball, pushing a car, etc.) before they imitate body movements or speech. This is especially true in children with autism, who are more likely to have a greater interest in objects than people. For these students, and for anyone who is just getting started with Sparking Imitation, mimicking actions with objects is a great place to start.
The first three assignments in Level 1 model imitation with objects. As you watch these videos with your child, lay out a group of items similar to the objects used in each assignment. Having these items present will encourage your child to follow along with the actions shown on the screen.
Imitating Actions
The majority of QuickStarts in Level 1 focus on imitating actions and body movements. These assignments teach mimicry of movements like clapping hands, stomping feet, jumping up and down, and making silly faces.
Try watching these assignments with your child. Follow the prompts in the videos to model the actions you want your child to perform. Seeing you copy the actions can initiate your child to respond. Many students like to see their own reflections during imitation activities. We encourage you to position a mirror next to the screen so your student can see how their own movements match the actions they see in the videos.
Imitating Vocalizations
The new QuickStarts in Level 1 model motor imitation and vocal imitation together. These QuickStarts are designed for children who already have some mastery over imitation with objects and imitating actions.
Incorporating vocalization into imitation with action is an excellent way to motivate your child to produce early speech sounds. This kind of imitation involves making exaggerated body movements and saying a simple sound out loud, for example, saying "Vroom, vroom!" as you push a car, making monkey sounds as you beat your chest like a gorilla, or buzzing like a bee as you flap your hands.
Remember, students do not need to produce speech to graduate from Level 1. It does not signal a lack of progress if your student does not mimic sounds or words from assignments with vocal imitation. Keep encouraging your child to imitate actions. When your child can regularly mimic at least 5 different actions, move on to Level 2, even if they are not making sounds.
Activities pairing vocal and motor imitation are engaging and educational even for students who have graduated to higher levels of the Language Pyramid. If your child has been struggling to make progress in Level 2, assign these QuickStarts from Level 1 alongside the rest of their videos for additional practice.
Practicing Imitation Outside of Gemiini
The most valuable thing we can do to teach imitation is to practice it with our kids. Real interactions enrich the imitation skills our students are learning in their Gemiini assignments. Below are a few tips for encouraging your child to imitate during real-world activities and interactions.
Play games and sing songs that involve movement.
If you're not sure where to start, imitation games (like Simon Says and Follow the Leader) and children's songs with body movement (like I'm a Little Teapot and The Itsy Bitsy Spider) are imitation activities many children adore.
Embrace silliness!
Using over-exaggerated gestures, funny voices, and silly facial expressions is a great way to capture your child's attention.
Use two sets of items for imitation with objects.
If you are modeling actions with objects, bring your own set of items and keep them separate from the objects your child will use. This keeps the flow of imitation smooth and can prevent children from becoming upset if you take their toy away when it is your turn to imitate.
Let your child lead the activity.
If your child does not respond when you attempt to initiate imitation, try letting them lead the interaction. Watch your child as they engage in an activity they enjoy. Take note of their actions, position yourself so they can see you, and copy their exact movements and sounds. When your child notices you, copy any new sounds or actions they make to help them realize that you will mimic anything they do. After you have had a few successful back-and-forth interactions, see if your child will imitate one of your actions!
Use a mirror during imitation activities.
Try standing in front of a bathroom mirror or a standing mirror, or hold up a hand mirror so your child can see both of your reflections. Many children like to see their reflection, and they may be encouraged to participate when they can watch themselves in the mirror.
Future Updates
In the coming days, we will be adding more new content to the QuickStarts in levels 2, 3, 4 and 5. Watch this space to be notified when the next round of updates is complete!
For personalized tips on sparking imitation in your child, or for any other questions you have about using Gemiini, schedule a free call with our product specialists. If you're having technical trouble or need help getting started, check out the articles in our Knowledge Base. If you're looking for clips that don't seem to exist on the site, send a content request to us at videos@gemiini.org.