When you‘re folding laundry, take long socks and dangle them above your child’s head. Encourage them to try and capture the toes of the socks! As they move their arms up and down to reach the socks, you can say, “Up!” and “Down!” to describe their actions.
Author: Sarah Childs
Find Baby’s Favorite Tune
When your child seems fussy, try singing a rhyme or a song. Do they calm down when your voice is quiet, or do they respond to big facial expressions and an enthusiastic voice? Try different rhymes and songs to find their favorites.
Who’s That Baby
Hold a mirror up to your child’s face and ask, “Who’s that baby?” Then say their name. Pull the mirror away and watch them. Do they smile? Wave their hands and feet? Do they reach out for the mirror? Comment on what they’re telling you with their actions.
Counting Steps
When you’re outside, try playing this game with your child. Give them a place to stand and have them estimate how many steps they are from you. When they walk back, count their steps together aloud. Try all different distances!
Seasons Conversation
Walking somewhere today? Talk to your child about the seasons. Is it cold or warm? What clues do you see that tell you what season it is? Snow? Flowers? Colorful Leaves?
Color Name Game
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.
Weather Chat
When you come in from outside, have a chat with your child about the weather. Were you hot or cold? Make sure you use simple sentences, but add bigger words, too.
Big and Little
Look out the window for big things and little things. Take turns with your child, saying, “I see something big.” And then name it. Do the same thing with something little. Ask them to go next and see how many things you can find together!
How many do you see
Look at the world around you and call your child’s attention to things you see like people, cars, buildings, or animals. Point to them and ask them, “How many do you see?” A lot or a little?” When they understand the rules of the game, invite them to take the lead. Then take turns!
Crawl or Climb
As your child plays, encourage them to find something to climb over or crawl under. What about something they can roll on the ground, bang like a drum, or balance? This game is fun inside or outside. Talk with them about it. What was the same and what was different?
