Category: Speak to

When out and about, point out things you and your child have read about in books or seen in their favorite show. For example, “See that dog over there? Where have we seen a dog that looks like that?” or “When you wear your red coat it makes you look like a superhero! Are there… Continue reading Create real life and book connections

Pick a word and take turns saying words that rhyme with it. Keep going until you run out of words that rhyme. Then let your child pick a word. See if you can come up with silly ones to keep it fun like “slinky, pinkie, stinky.”

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.

Talk back and forth with your child about the plans for the day. Maybe you can chat about what you’re having for breakfast. Where are they going for the day? What might you do together? Or what are you both excited to do today?

Any day can start off with a little color. Ask your child to pick today’s color, like yellow, red, or blue. When you’re getting them dressed, take turns picking something that’s the same color. See if you both can find more things the same color during breakfast.

When you have a sink full of dishes, turn the chore into something fun. As you scrub, ask your child to talk about the shapes of each dish. “What else is round like this bowl?” Have a conversation around their response. Remember, there are no wrong answers!

When you’re reading or telling a story to your child at bedtime, ask them questions about the story. Pause the story and ask: “What do you think will happen next? How do you think the character feels? What would you do if that happened to you?”

In the morning, take turns being “Handy Helpers.” Help each other find a pair of socks, pour milk, or zip up a jacket. Ask your child, “Will you please help me __?” Then invite them to ask you for help. It’s a nice way to start the day!

Grab a ball or anything that rolls and is soft and play a game of catch. Roll the ball back and forth and talk to your child about what is happening.

When you’re out, find a safe spot to let your child explore. Get down to see the world from their point of view. Touch the dirt or the pavement. Do you notice a small creature crawling by? Talk together about what you see and refer back to it later that day.