Imitation: A Building Block of Language

If you’re worried about a late talker or want to support your little one’s early communication skills, this is for you!

Before words come lots of smaller imitation steps. These early skills build the foundation for language, so if a child isn’t copying words yet, they may need support earlier in the sequence.

This visual breaks down 8 "stages" of imitation — all great skills to model with your baby!

1️⃣ Imitates actions with objects:
🧸 Examples: putting a toy in a bucket, pushing a car

2️⃣ Imitates communicative gestures: 
👋 Examples: waving, pointing, clapping

3️⃣ Imitates non-verbal actions with face & mouth:
😛 Examples: opening mouth, sticking out tongue

4️⃣ Imitates vocalizations in play:
🔔 Examples: snoring, car/animal sounds, squealing

5️⃣ Imitates exclamatory words: 
 😲 Examples: uh oh, boo, yay, mmm, wow

6️⃣ Imitates verbal routines:
🎶 Examples: ready-set-go, peek-a-boo, early songs