Category: Speak to

Are you teaching your child to use words to express their feelings? As you’re out and about, ask them to notice animals, which don’t use words, and see how they express what they want. Does the dog bark or stare at you? Ask them what they think the dog is trying to say.

Boost your child’s independence by asking them questions instead of telling them what to do. If you’re getting ready to leave the house, instead of telling them to put shoes on, try saying something like, “I see your socks are on. What comes next”?

Drop a small snack inside an empty clear plastic bottle. Encourage your child to get the piece out of the bottle. Do they shake the bottle or put their fingers inside? Can they try in different ways. If they’re struggling ask, “What would happen if you turned it upside down?”

As you play with your child, take a toy or safe object and hide it as they watch you. Ask them, “Where is it?” and let them find it. Then ask them if they can hide it and you find it. Create a cheer to use when each of you finds the toy and keep… Continue reading Object Hide and Seek

When your child drops their spoon on the floor (and they will!), pick it up and give it back to them saying, “The spoon is falling down, down, down!” How long does it take until they drop it again? When they do, talk about falling down again.

When your child picks up something safe, encourage them to “Shake, Bang, and Roll!” How many different ways do they explore the object? Talk to them about what they’re doing, “You shook the rattle and made a sound.”

Offer your child objects that are safe to put in their mouth, like wooden spoons or plastic cups. Talk about what they’re doing as they put the objects in their mouth or move them. Even if they can’t yet speak, they’re supported by your voice and interest in their actions.

Does your child like to kick their legs during tummy-time? Putting things like crumpled paper or a rolled up towel behind their legs can make it even more interesting. Talk with your baby about how it might feel or sound when they kick. What else could you use for kicking?

Invite your child to hunt for objects of different sizes. How many small things can they find? What about big things? Make it harder and ask them to find things that are medium-sized or huge. Talk about what they see and what is the same and different.

While grocery shopping, ask your child if they can manage the cart by sorting your shopping into vegetables, fruits, frozen foods, or by color. Can they find a way to keep the boxes lined up so they don’t topple over?