Category: Play with

Encourage your child to clap along to the rhythm of a familiar song. Guide them by clapping together. Then ask them to try and keep clapping while you clap to a different song. This may be as hard for you as it is for them!

Turn a familiar tune into a “Silly Song.” Change a word in a song your child knows well and see if they notice. Stretch the moment by asking why that doesn’t work. Can they take a turn to add a silly twist to the song?

Tell your child to run when you say, “Green light!” and stop when you say, “Red light!” Once they can do it, encourage them to try the opposite: Run when you say, “Red light!” and stop when you say, “Green light!” Try other colors and other actions (skipping, hopping). You can even change the rules… Continue reading Green Light, Red Light

Stomp on the ground three times and invite your child to do the same. Now change the pattern and stomp more quickly or add another stomp. Have them suggest a stomping pattern. You can pretend to be dinosaurs or elephants!

When moving or dancing with your child, instead of using the words “stop” and “go,” choose two animals. Encourage them to move when they hear the word “bird” and to stop when you say “dog.” Go back and forth between the two animals, fast and slow. Then give them a turn to lead the game.

Start by asking your child to choose a word. Then say it together in different ways. Use a high voice or a low voice; a loud voice or a soft voice; speak slowly or speak fast. Have fun and keep it going back and forth! Take it to the next level by having a conversation… Continue reading Silly Speech

As you and your child set the table, make it a game. Take turns holding things up and asking, “What is bigger?” or “What is smaller?” You could compare their cup and your cup or a large bowl and small bowl. What else can you play this game with?

Ask your child to think of things they can do like jump, climb, take giant steps, or collect stones. Ask them to show you one of them. Respond with something you can do, like collect leaves or make a telescope with your hands. Go back and forth.

Here is a fun guessing game while waiting. Start with, “I’m thinking of an animal.” Then give your child clues to help guess what animal it is. For example, “I’m thinking of an animal who lives in our house and is black.”

What is your child looking at? Follow their lead and chat about what they see. “Yes, those are my shoes. And that is my hat. Do you want to try on my shoes and hat? I’ll help you!” Take turns! “Can you put my hat on my head? Now try your head. Look it is too big!”