Is your child making lots of sounds? Talk back to them by repeating their sounds or describing what they’re doing using a sing-song voice. Do they respond by kicking their feet, waving their arms, or making more sounds? Together, you’re telling your own story!
Category: 6 Loving Habits
Describe what they feel
Talk to your child about how things feel on their skin: “Your shirt is soft.” “The wind is cold.” “The ice cube is slippery.” See how they react and continue the conversation: “You like the warm water in your bath!”
Play Store
Encourage your child to set up a store at home using items from around the house. Once the shelves are stocked, they can pretend to go shopping. Help them make a shopping list and find a bag or basket. You can be the cashier. Talk with them about what they’re shopping for. Then switch. You… Continue reading Play Store
Create a short story
Come up with a short story for your child to act out. Say something like, “There once was a child who loved to climb trees,” and encourage them to pretend to climb. Add on to the story with more actions. See how creative you can get. Let them have a turn to tell a story… Continue reading Create a short story
Use string to measure body parts
Show your child how to use string or yarn to measure parts of their body. Have them put out their arm and hold the string along the length of their arm. Cut the string and hold it out: How long is it? Can they compare it to other body parts? Can they measure your arm?
Clap and Freeze
Clap your hands and ask your child to stop and freeze in a pose when you stop clapping. When you begin clapping again, they should move, then stop in a different pose when the clapping stops. First, clap slowly. Then get faster so they have to keep changing poses. Take turns, letting them be the… Continue reading Clap and Freeze
Exploring Five Senses
Using self-control and focus while eating a favorite treat can be fun. First, ask your child to look at the snack and describe what they see. Then smell it, touch it, and finally take just a little taste. Talk with them about what they did to help them wait.
The Pretend Game
Play a game where you pretend to be an animal, object, or someone you both know. See if your child can guess who or what you are. Clues like sound effects or movements are helpful. When your child guesses, have them take a turn and you guess. Enjoy!
Build a Maze
Work together to build a maze. You can use things like chairs, tables, pillows, or whatever is handy. Then sing or play music while your child walk’s through the maze. When the music stops, they should stop. See if they can move to the music when it gets faster and slower.
Dance Party
Playtime can become a dance party. Turn on some music, sing, or hum, and start doing a silly dance: shake a leg, wiggle your hips. Can your child copy your moves? Next song, it’s their turn to lead. Go back and forth until you’re danced out!
