Welcome to our imitation lesson
- In this section, you will learn
- What imitation is
- Why imitation is important
- How to use imitation to improve behaviors
Imitation overview
What does it mean to imitate?
- Doing what your child is doing
- Saying out loud that you are copying the child’s behavior
Only imitate appropriate behaviors
What does imitation look or sound like?
Child: Plays with legos at the table on their own.
- Caregiver: Sits down at the table and brings out more legos. “That looks really fun. I think I’m going to play Legos just like you.”
Child: Draws at a table, makes a curly sky design in their drawing.
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Parent: Draws with the child. Says, “Oooh! That looks great! I’m going to make that design in my sky too!"
Draws the design, “It looks like wind blowing clouds.”
Child: Throws a pebble as far as they can. Watches it land. Throws another pebble.
- Parent: Sitting nearby, watches child. “Fun! I’m going to try that too!“ Gets up and throws a pebble.
Imitate live in action
Why is imitation important?
Click below to read more:
When you copy a child’s behavior, you let them know that you like what they are doing.
Children need caregivers’ positive attention to know that the caregiver is paying attention and keeping them safe. Imitating is an easy way to help them feel safe and happy.
Look for times when your child seems happy and calm. Take a few minutes to sit down and check out what they’re doing. Imitate their play and keep them engaged in what they’re doing!
Imitating is great for children who are shy or nervous. Imitating lets the child take the lead and get used to your being there. After you sit for a few minutes copying their play, they’ll relax and start talking a little more.
Imitation helps children see what they are doing. It gives them a chance to think a little more about it and expand on their ideas. It’s a great tool for helping improve their thinking skills.
Imitation lets your child know you are available when they need you.
Imagine your child is upset about something and walks away. Later, you see them calmly playing or reading. You can sit nearby and imitate what they are doing. Say very little, but stay calm and engaged in the activity.
Your being there, doing what they are doing is very comforting. This will give them space to talk to you about their feelings.
When and how should I imitate?
Learn how imitation can be used by selecting a specific difficult behavior below.
More: Learn how imitation can be used by selecting a specific positive behavior/goal below.
Pay attention to how you imitate
Click below to read more:
When imitating, keep following the child’s lead. Sometimes children’s play can feel boring. You might want to change things to make it more fun for you. However, your child feels most special when you follow their lead and do what they find fun.
When you imitate behaviors, your child will do those more. Only imitate behaviors you want your child to do.
Imagine you are playing, and your child starts pounding the floor with a toy. Don’t imitate that behavior. Use strategic attention to ignore the behavior. Use redirect by bringing out a softer toy to distract them. Model by telling them that you are going to be gentle with your toys. When your child starts playing gently, imitate that behavior. Remember to use your other PRIDE skills too!
Make sure your imitation is honest and positive, without even a hint of mocking. It doesn’t feel good to be made into a joke. If you don’t really like the child’s behavior, don’t imitate it. Redirect instead.
Caregiver Voices
Other caregivers share about using imitation with their children:
“I was able to bond with [my child] a whole lot better where he felt safe and he was like, ‘oh my God, mommy, you really do care.’ You know, I was engaging with him, so he wanted to come home first [reunification from foster care]. So he did. And he’s home with me now.”
“He likes to see me copy him.”
How would you imitate?
Question #1
Question #2
Question #3
Ideas for fun imitate activities
Select Below
2-5 minutes
Create a parade with your child in the lead. Whatever actions your child does and whichever direction your child leads, you follow behind doing the same.
2-5 minutes
Create a parade with your child in the lead. Whatever actions your child does and whichever direction your child leads, you follow behind doing the same.
2-5 minutes
Create a parade with your child in the lead. Whatever actions your child does and whichever direction your child leads, you follow behind doing the same.
10-20 minutes
Imitation meets basketball. Take turns attempting to make a basket. When one person scores a basket, the other person has to try to make a basket from the exact same position.
Plan for imitation
Think about how you can use imitation at home:
Hooray! You've learned a new skill: Imitate
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