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.
Category: 6 Loving Habits
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?
Rhyming Game
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?
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?
