You can play this rhyming game anywhere, anytime. Think of a fun word, then let your child think of another word that rhymes with it. Take turns and keep going back and forth as long as you can! Plan? Fan? Ran?
Author: Sarah Childs
Laundry Delivery
After folding the laundry, ask your child to help you with “Laundry Delivery.” Ask them, “Where do the towels go? That’s right, in the bathroom! What about your pajamas? Yes! In your room. Which drawer?” Switch and let them pick the items and ask you where they go.
Tent Time
Make a tent with your child! Cover two sturdy chairs with a blanket or towel and invite them to come inside. Make it a special place for games like playing “Peekaboo” or bringing special tent toys inside to play with. Name the special place together!
Make up your own songs
Help your child recognize patterns and familiar words by singing simple songs with lots of repetition or rhymes. Can’t remember one? Make up you own! Encourage them to join in by repeating the words or by adding their own ideas.
Sing about Activities
There are things we do every day. Sing the same songs at those moments to explain what you’re doing with your child. Examples could be leaving a room, finishing eating, or washing hands. What else do you do daily that you could sing about?
Face Feelings
Ask your child to talk about their day using feeling words like happy, excited, and sad. Try questions like, “Was there a time when you felt frustrated today?” Ask them to make faces that express these feelings. Share your day as well.
Favorite Part of Day
In the evening, ask your child what their favorite part of the day was. Make sure you follow up with questions. “Why did you like that? Was it more fun than the last time you did that? Why?” You can make this a regular part of your day!
Face Pointing
In a calm moment together, take the time to look at your child’s face. Point to their nose and say, “your nose.” Then point to your nose and say, “my nose.” Respond to what they do. Do they point too? Do they smile or repeat your words or sounds? Try this with different parts of… Continue reading Face Pointing
Sing to Soothe
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.
Name Conversation
You can talk to your child about anything! Use their name as you make eye contact and chat. Your attention is like a hug from the inside that helps them feel focused, calm, and settled. Pay attention to what is happening around them and talk about it.
