Category: Speak to

No matter what you’re cooking, your child can be a helper. Give them a play-by-play of what you’re using. If it’s safe, let them touch, smell, or taste things too. Chat about what you’re making: “Red pepper makes the beans spicy.”

Food can exercise your child’s five senses! Let them taste a piece of the food and ask how it tastes, then have them smell it and tell you what they smell. Talk about the shape of it and how it feels to the touch. You can smell and taste it too.

Encourage sharing and taking turns by asking your child to feed you, too. After they take a bite say, “My turn!” Open your mouth and see if they’ll give you a bite. Say, “Thank you!” and then prompt them to take a turn. They will love having a turn at being in charge!

Invite your child to help you exercise. Hold them while you do sit-ups, first fast and then slow. Talk about your speed with them. Do leg lifts and raise your leg above their head then back to the ground, talking about their size as you do. What else can you do?

Watch your child during mealtime. Are they reacting to how the food tastes and feels? Copy the faces they make and respond. Do they make a happy face when eating something sweet like fruit? You could ask, “Do you like that juicy apple?” Stretch the chat and ask another question or comment on their response.

In the kitchen with your child, describe what you’re doing, especially if you notice they’re interested in something, like pouring water in a bowl or cup. Say things like, “Water goes in the cup.” See how they respond. They might look at you and then look at the cup.

Show your child how to tell you they’re feeling hungry by touching their hand to their mouth or rubbing their belly. If you do this over and over and then give them food while saying the word “hungry,” they will pick up the symbol and learn to talk to you with their hands.

As you feed your child, tell them what you see. “I see your fingers picking up a piece of food.” “I see your mouth chewing a banana”. “I see you drinking with your mouth.” If they make a sound or say a word, repeat it to create a back and forth conversation. Babbling and talking… Continue reading Dinner Time Talk

Talk with your child as you drive, take a bus, or however you get around. Ask them what they think will happen when they get where you are going. You could ask them who they will see, or what they will do when they get there. What will they do after that? Stretch the chat… Continue reading Where Are We Going Game

When you’re out and about, point out simple signs and ask your child what they think they mean. If they get it wrong, remind them it’s a good try, and ask them to keep trying. Point out clues! (There is a barber inside, so the sign says “Haircuts”).