Waiting is a part of life. Do you wait in line at the store, at a doctor’s office, or for a ride? While you’re waiting, pretend you’re a newscaster. Using your pretend microphone, ask your child questions: “What do you see? Who else is here? What do you think is going to happen next?”
Author: Sarah Childs
Turn chores into fun
When you have a sink full of dishes, turn the chore into something fun. As you scrub, ask your child to talk about the shapes of each dish. “What else is round like this bowl?” Have a conversation around their response. Remember, there are no wrong answers!
Ask questions about stories
When you’re reading or telling a story to your child at bedtime, ask them questions about the story. Pause the story and ask: “What do you think will happen next? How do you think the character feels? What would you do if that happened to you?”
Object Fun
Choose an object in your home, like a used paper towel roll, and challenge your child to see how many different ways they can use it. It can be a telescope, a tunnel for something small, or a musical instrument like a horn. What other items can they find around the house to explore? Take… Continue reading Object Fun
Shared Story
Start telling a story with your child: “Once upon a time there was a beautiful person who lived in a castle.” Ask them, “What do you think this person did today?” They might say, “She played!” You continue, “What did she play with?” Keep the story going based on their responses.
Empty vs. Full
Give your child two plastic tubs or old boxes and ask them to choose safe things like toys or spoons to put inside. Ask questions about more and less, empty and full. You can say, “I wonder which box has more spoons? How can we find out?” See what ideas they come up with!
Counting crackers
Are you eating crackers or other food like that? Ask your child how many they want. Give them that amount and say, “Eat one. How many are left?” Count together, encouraging them to count out loud. Then you take a turn. Continue this game until the crackers are all gone.
Bath time songs
During bathtime sing your child’s favorite songs. You can make up your own song about what’s happening in the bath too. Are they pouring water from a cup, or pretending with a toy? Encourage them to sing their own song and respond to them.
Handy Helpers
In the morning, take turns being “Handy Helpers.” Help each other find a pair of socks, pour milk, or zip up a jacket. Ask your child, “Will you please help me __?” Then invite them to ask you for help. It’s a nice way to start the day!
Play catch
Grab a ball or anything that rolls and is soft and play a game of catch. Roll the ball back and forth and talk to your child about what is happening.
