While waiting, create singing conversations. Instead of talking back-and-forth, quietly sing what you want to say to each other. How does your child respond? Then try whispering. Keep going back and forth and make it a game.
Author: Sarah Childs
Counting items in nature
Being out and about is a great time to be on the lookout for what’s around. As you go, point out what you see. Do you see birds, trees, leaves, people? Ask your child, “How many do you see?” Take turns pointing to different things all over!
Different Volumes
As you walk, listen to your child. Which sounds are quiet, which are loud? Yell “loud!” and mimic the sound. Then whisper “quiet” and try that one too. Go back and forth with them imitating all the sounds at their different volumes.
Dance
Let your child pick a fun, fast song to dance to. Ask them to make a dance move and then copy what they do. Take turns going back and forth copying each other’s dance moves.
Compare your drinks
As you both have something to drink, take turns talking about how your cups are the same and different. Is one bigger? Smaller? What colors are they? What is in your cups? Is the liquid warm or cold?
Guess what’s inside
Is there an empty tissue or wipes box handy when changing your child’s diaper? Hide something safe inside, lie them down, and give them the box. Shaking it, ask “Can you guess what’s inside?” See if you can keep the guessing game going until they’re changed and dressed!
What do you feel?
Put some safe items your child loves—like an egg carton, plastic bottle, or small box—into a bag just for them. They can play with the full bag. When they reach in, ask, “What do you feel? Is it an egg carton or a bottle?”
Point out favorite foods
As you go shopping, point out some of your favorite foods to your child and see if they like them: “I love bananas, do you?” Then invite them to point out a favorite food. Tell them if you like it. Play back and forth as you move down the aisles.
Hot vs. cold game
Hide something like a spoon or cup and encourage your child to find it. As they get closer say, “You’re getting warm.” If they move farther away say, “You’re getting cold.” After they find it, take turns choosing a hiding place and use “warm” and “cold” to tell each other where to look.
How many crackers did you eat?
At mealtime or snacktime, create math stories with your child: “Imagine you’re a hungry bear and these crackers look yummy.” Count them together and invite them to choose a number of crackers to eat. Then ask: “How many crackers did you eat? How many crackers are left?”
