When you’re out and about with your child, play “The ABC Game.” Take turns spotting each letter in the alphabet from A to Z on road signs, billboards, cars, licenses, and more! Write out the letters so they can match them with what they see.
Author: Sarah Childs
Find the Colors
When you’re out with your child, team up with them to find colors. Have them point to something and name the color. Then you name all of the things you can think of that are the same color. Take turns playing this game.
Telescope Hands
Make a telescope with your hands. Circle your fingers and hold them to your eye and look at your child telling them, “I see you!” Show them how to make their own finger telescope. Take turns looking through the finger telescope and sharing what you see.
Describe the Day
Describe to your child how the day is: “Today is bright and sunny. I can feel the warmth of the sun on my face,” or “Brrr, today is cold! That’s why we have coats on.” Ask them to take a turn. Be sure to respond to their words or sounds.
Talk About the Ride
As you ride in a bus, train, or car with your child, talk about the ride! You can say, “Here comes a bumpy road!” and talk about how it feels or sway back and forth as you say, “Here come the curves!” Talk about whether you’re going fast or slow and how that feels. Let… Continue reading Talk About the Ride
Speak and Imitate
Is your child trying to speak and imitate what you say? Try to build on this when you’re out by pointing to vehicles that pass by and naming them. If you see a car, bus, truck or taxi, call it out. Involve them by having them point and name with you.
Ride ’em Cowboy
With your child on your lap, pretend you’re riding together on different things. First say, “We’re on a horse. Neigh!” while bouncing up and down. Then say, “Now we’re in a race car!” and move quickly from side to side. Watch their reaction to the motions and repeat the ones that they like.
Window Catcher
Ask your child if they want to be a window watcher. Follow their gaze as you point out a window and chat about what you both see. Share where you’re looking. Create names for what’s out there and talk about what each thing does.
What Sounds do You Hear?
When you’re out with your child, talk about what you hear. It can be cars, birds, or sirens. Ask your child if they hear the sounds you do. Wait for them to listen. Touch your ears or theirs, or point to where the sound is. Then name another sound and wait for them to respond.… Continue reading What Sounds do You Hear?
Shopping List Story
Going shopping? Make a shopping list and create a story together about the items on the list to remember them: “Once there was a dragon who … loved to eat carrots and slept on a can of soup.” At the store, encourage your child to retell the story and hunt for each item, checking it… Continue reading Shopping List Story