Pointing gesture - http://beforefirstwords.upf.edu

Summary

Babies develop the understanding of pointing around eight months and begin to point themselves at eleven months, using their whole hand or index finger. They learn to coordinate this gesture with visual attention to direct others' focus towards objects or actions of interest. By twelve to fourteen months, they can point to locations where objects once were, indicating an understanding of pointing as a communicative tool. Pointing often accompanies vocalizations and differs from conventional gestures like waving. Adults can facilitate this skill by modeling and coordinating attention during activities like playing or reading.

Takeaways

• 👶 Babies comprehend pointing by eight months.
• 🖕 They begin to point themselves around eleven months.
• 👋 Initial pointing involves the whole hand or index finger.
• 🔍 Pointing gestures become more coordinated with visual attention.
• 🤝 Babies use gaze alternation to engage others' attention.
• 🧠 By 12-14 months, they point to locations of absent objects, showing an understanding of pointing's communicative function.
• 🗣️ Pointing often accompanies vocalizations to enhance or add information.
• 👋 Pointing is distinct from conventional gestures with set meanings.
• 👶👩 Adults model pointing for babies, aiding in their understanding of communication.
• 📚 During activities like reading, pointing helps align attention between adults and babies.

Q & A

At what age can babies typically understand pointing?

Babies are able to understand pointing from about eight months.

When do babies usually start to point themselves?

Babies are only able to point themselves from around eleven months.

How do babies initially point at objects or actions?

Babies start to point with either their whole hand or their index finger.

How do babies' pointing gestures evolve over time?

Initially, these gestures are messy, but soon babies learn to coordinate the extension of their arm and index finger with their visual attention.

What do babies do to attract the attention of others towards an object or action of interest?

Babies alternate their gaze between the object of interest and the person they are pointing for, gradually attracting attention.

At what age can babies point to places where an object used to be?

Around twelve to fourteen months, babies can point to places where an object used to be, showing they understand the function of pointing as a communicative tool.

How does pointing differ from conventional gestures like waving hello?

Pointing is a gesture that is not conventional and does not have an established meaning like waving to say hello.

What role does pointing play when combined with vocalizations?

Pointing is often combined with vocalizations to emphasize the meaning of the message or to add extra information.

How can adults help babies understand pointing as a form of communication?

Adults can model the gesture for the baby and help them understand adult communication by pointing to things when playing with objects or reading a book.

What cognitive development does pointing indicate in babies?

Pointing indicates cognitive development in babies as it shows they understand the communicative function of gestures and can coordinate their physical movements with their visual attention.

Why is it important for babies to learn to point as a communicative tool?

Learning to point is important for babies as it helps them to communicate their interests and needs to others, enhancing their social interactions.