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# Gift Connect

Amplifying the Importance of Birth to Three

## Sitemaps

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## Posts

- [2026 Mid-Year Impact: Empowering Families & Building Stronger Communities](https://gift-connect.org/2026-mid-year-impact-empowering-families-building-stronger-communities/) - At GIFT CONNECT, our 2026 journey has been marked by incredible growth and deepened community impact. Through the first half of the year, we have expanded our Every Community for Early Years model across Delaware, Utah, Kenya, Mississippi, and other emerging partnerships. Thanks to vital new investments—including a $350,000 grant from the Longwood Foundation and
- [The Kenya Revolution: How GIFT CONNECT Kenya is Redefining Early Childhood Success](https://gift-connect.org/the-kenya-revolution-how-gift-connect-kenya-is-redefining-early-childhood-success/) - Kenya offers a profound opportunity. While the architecture of a child's future is built long before they ever see a chalkboard, many families in rural regions like Kitui County face a silent struggle. Subsistence farming — the primary source of income in the area — demands long hours, and the availability for early childhood caregiving
- [GIFT CONNECT in Kenya: The Journey from Awareness to Impact](https://gift-connect.org/gift-connect-in-kenya-the-journey-from-awareness-to-impact/) - In rural Kitui County, Kenya, GIFT CONNECT is on a mission to educate and empower mothers and caregivers on the importance of early childhood development and the six loving habits. Our program leverages the unique power of music and celebrity influence to reach people who aren't being served by traditional outreach methods. The program is
- [GIFT CONNECT Goes Global: Stellar Mengele Represents at the World Forum Foundation Conference](https://gift-connect.org/gift-connect-goes-global-stellar-mengele-represents-at-the-world-forum-foundation-conference/) - What does it look like when a music-led, community-rooted early childhood program steps onto the world stage? Last month, GIFT CONNECT Global Ambassador Stellar Mengele traveled to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to find out — and the answer, in her own words, was “epic.” From April 13–17, 2026, Stellar represented GIFT CONNECT at the World Forum
- [The GIFT CONNECT Parenting Suite Meets Parents Where They Are](https://gift-connect.org/the-gift-connect-parenting-suite-meets-parents-where-they-are/) - It’s 5:45 PM. A parent walks through the front door, bag barely off their shoulder, mind still running through the last meeting of the day. Their toddler runs to greet them, arms outstretched, full of energy that feels almost impossible to match in that moment. The exhaustion is real, but so is the love and
- [Delaware's Literacy Miracle: Building Brains from Birth to Three](https://gift-connect.org/delawares-literacy-miracle-building-brains-from-birth-to-three/) - Delaware is currently facing a silent crisis in its classrooms. With the state ranking 43rd nationally in education, the statistics are staggering: 75% of fourth-graders are not proficient in reading, and up to 80% of children from underserved communities enter kindergarten already behind. While many look to the K-12 system for answers, the science suggests
- [GIFT CONNECT Kenya's 2025 Annual General Meeting Celebrates Transformative Impact](https://gift-connect.org/gift-connect-kenyas-2025-annual-general-meeting-celebrates-transformative-impact/) - At the end of 2025, over 4,000 mothers, caregivers, and community ambassadors gathered for GIFT CONNECT Kenya's Annual General Meeting (AGM), creating a powerful testament to the transformative impact of our Every Community for Early Years model and the enduring impact of early childhood development. Mengele led the closing prayer while attendees joined in a
- [GIFT CONNECT 2025 Yearly Wrap Up](https://gift-connect.org/gift-connect-2025-yearly-wrap-up/) - As we close out a remarkable year, let's look back on the extraordinary progress the GIFT CONNECT team has made in amplifying the birth to three development through our tools, programs, and advocacy. Making an Impact in Kenya In rural Kitui County, Kenya, GIFT CONNECT is on a mission to educate and empower mothers and
- [Our Science-Backed Parenting App for Early Childhood Devlopment](https://gift-connect.org/our-science-backed-parenting-app-for-early-childhood-devlopment/) - Being a parent to a baby or toddler is one of life’s greatest joys — and one of its toughest jobs. There’s no manual, no off switch, and too often, no one to turn to when you need an answer, a break, or just a little reassurance. That’s why we created the GIFT CONNECT Parenting
- [New in April from Gift Connect](https://gift-connect.org/new-in-april-from-gift-connect/) - COMING SOON: Our Parenting Suite! Something exciting is just around the corner for parents and caregivers! GIFT CONNECT’s amazing new Parenting Suite is launching soon alongside a refresh of our website. It’s loaded with powerful tools to make parenting easier, more fun, and totally stress-free—and it's all 100% free to use! Ever wondered how bedtime
- [New in February from GIFT CONNECT:](https://gift-connect.org/new-in-february-from-gift-connect/) - GIFT CONNECT in Delaware On Tuesday, January 21st, Matt Meyer was sworn in as the 76th Governor of Delaware. The ceremony, held at Delaware State University, marked a historic event as the first gubernatorial inauguration at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), with President Dr. Tony Allen presiding. Dr. Allen also serves as the
- [Prioritize Early Childhood Development This Giving Tuesday](https://gift-connect.org/giving-tuesday-prioritize-early-childhood-development/) - Giving Tuesday: Since 2017, GIFT CONNECT has been working to bring education for children zero to five early childhood education.
- [New in May from GIFT CONNECT: April Kenya event, Latest Podcast, Brain Science Video](https://gift-connect.org/new-in-may-april-kenya-event-church-champions-program/) - Church Champions Program: Over 200 caregivers and 500 children, came to learn about the power of the Birth to Three Movement.
- [New in July from Gift Connect: Our US Tour Recap!](https://gift-connect.org/new-in-july-from-gift-connect-stellar-us-tour-recap/) - New in June - Sam traveled to Utah to Zion's Bank Wasatch Economic Summit to explore collaboration possibilities and connections.
- [Help us Support Birth to Three Development](https://gift-connect.org/help-us-support-birth-to-three-development/) - GIFT CONNECT is on a mission to amplify the importance of birth to three years old in the US and around the world.
- [New in September from Gift Connect: Kenya Program Updates & New Edutainment Song](https://gift-connect.org/new-in-september-from-gift-connect-kenya-program-updates-new-edutainment-song/) - Kenya Program Updates Kenya Program Updates Following the success of the Abujubuju Baby Song, which currently has over 260,000 views on YouTube, we are proud to announce our next Edutainment song in Kenya: My Baby. Through our Edutainment songs, Global Ambassador Stellar Mengele shares the importance of the Six Loving Habits—speak, sing, read, play, count, and
- [New in October from Gift Connect: Stay Engaged!](https://gift-connect.org/stay-engaged-with-gift-connect/) - Sam attended the National Urban League National Conference in Houston and met with more than 60 leaders to discuss Birth to 3 advocacy.
- [New in November from Gift Connect: Our Delaware Program & Giving Tuesday](https://gift-connect.org/new-in-november-from-gift-connect-our-delaware-program-giving-tuesday-advocacy/) - As GIFT CONNECT prepares to launch pilot programs in Delaware in the first quarter of 2025, we are engaging Delaware community leaders.
- [Empowering Mothers & Caregivers in Kenya through Edutainment and Community-Building](https://gift-connect.org/empowering-mothers-caregivers-in-kenya-through-edutainment-and-community-building/) - On December 6, GIFT CONNECT Kenya and Global Ambassador Stellar Mengele hosted over 2,000 mothers and caregivers at our year-end event.
- [Washa/Zima Swichi](https://gift-connect.org/washa-zima-swichi/) - Kabla ya kuondoka kwa nyumba leo, mwache, mtoto wako awe ndiye wa kuzima taa. Wasaidie kuzima swichi zote na mzungumze kuhusu jinsi vitendo vyao vya kuzima swichi huleta giza na kufungua taa huleta mwangaza.
- [Counting fruit](https://gift-connect.org/counting-fruit/) - At the store? Ask your child to find one orange, two apples, and three bananas (or any items on your list). As they bring them to the cart, have them count out each item one by one. Take one of the items out and ask them how many are now left.
- [Silly voice counting](https://gift-connect.org/silly-voice-counting/) - At dinner, have some fun with your child by counting each bite they take. After the first bite, announce “one!” in a silly voice. If they know numbers, make a mistake (“one, three”) and see if they can spot your mistake!
- [Waiting Games](https://gift-connect.org/waiting-games/) - Anytime you’re waiting in line, ask your child to guess how long until it’s your turn. How many numbers can you count? Or how many times will you sing a favorite song? Take turns inventing new "Waiting Games."
- [Fit keys](https://gift-connect.org/fit-keys/) - Is your child interested in your keys? While you watch, offer them a turn to try and open doors with them. Can they fit the key in the door? Talk with them about what they're doing like: “You’re turning the key but the door won’t open. What else should we try?”
- [Bath time lead](https://gift-connect.org/bath-time-lead/) - As your child gets older, encourage them to take the lead at bathtime. Ask them: “What will you need for your bath? A towel? Clean clothes?” When they're in the bath, you can ask, “What will you do first?” Invite them to choose which body part to wash and do it together.
- [Relax at bedtime](https://gift-connect.org/relax-at-bedtime/) - At bedtime, invite your child to close their eyes. Then imagine relaxing just one toe, then one whole foot, then one leg. Keep going through their entire body. Afterward, talk about how they feel. Give them a turn to lead you through relaxing.
- [Compare stamps](https://gift-connect.org/compare-stamps/) - Take your child with you to get the mail. Check out the different stamps and help them compare. Ask them, "Are these two stamps exactly the same? How are they different?"
- [Get dressed in a new way](https://gift-connect.org/get-dressed-in-a-new-way/) - Try getting dressed for bed in a new way. Ask your child, “What if we closed our eyes while we put on our pajamas for bed tonight?” Stay close by them to make sure it’s safe. Afterward, share what it feels like to get dressed “in the dark!”
- [Love connections](https://gift-connect.org/love-connections/) - Take turns talking to your child about love connections. “I love you as much as a bee loves flowers.” “I love you as much as ants love sugar.” “I love you as much as a car loves gas.” Ask them to come up with one. Keep going back and forth.
- [Create a toy museum](https://gift-connect.org/create-a-toy-museum/) - Invite your child to find some special things and put them out like in a museum or store. Have them lead you through their collection. Ask them to share with you why the items are meaningful. Take turns choosing favorite things to share with each other.
- [Match the pattern](https://gift-connect.org/match-the-pattern/) - Do you have a muffin tin or an empty egg carton? Look for things that can fit inside each hole, like pen caps. Make a pattern, like one red cap in a hole, then two blue caps in another, then another red cap. Then give the caps to your child. Can they match the pattern?
- [The Pretend Game](https://gift-connect.org/the-pretend-game-2/) - Play a game where you pretend to be an animal, object, or someone you both know. See if your child can guess who or what you are. Clues like sound effects or movements are helpful. When your child guesses, have them take a turn and you guess. Enjoy!
- [Number order](https://gift-connect.org/number-order/) - Have your child look for letters or numbers in a specific order on signs and license plates. You can say, “Can you find a one and a two next to each other?” or “Can you find an A and an E next to each other?” Take turns and see who can find the most.
- [Clap when you see a color](https://gift-connect.org/clap-when-you-see-a-color/) - Find a certain color car and clap once when you see it. When your child gets it, change the rules and clap twice when you see it. Then add another color and clap three times when you see it.
- [Dressing Mix-Up](https://gift-connect.org/dressing-mix-up/) - When you’re helping your child get dressed, play "Dressing Mix-Up," by asking things like: “Do your socks go on your hands? Do they go on your feet?" Put them on your hands, and pretend your hands are feet.
- [Give clues to grocery items](https://gift-connect.org/give-clues-to-grocery-items/) - When shopping, call out something you’re looking for on a shelf and have your child help you find it. Give them a clue: "It's in a red box." Can you do five in a row before you reach the end of the aisle?
- [Hide an object](https://gift-connect.org/hide-an-object/) - Play a game by hiding something small in your hand behind your back. First, show your child the object, like a coin or a pen, in your hand. Put it behind your back and change hands or leave it in the same. Ask them to guess which hand the object is in. Let them hide
- [Find the opposites](https://gift-connect.org/find-the-opposites-2/) - When you’re waiting somewhere, ask your child to play "Find the Opposites" with you. You call out something big and they respond with the opposite, something small. Start with easy comparisons, like big and small, high and low, or near and far.
- [Spot things that start with B](https://gift-connect.org/spot-things-that-start-with-b/) - While waiting, look around you and try to spot things that start with a B. Take turns with your child spotting B’s (like babies, bottles, and baskets) and calling out the words to each other.
- [Name people](https://gift-connect.org/name-people/) - Have a little spare time or just hanging out? Flip through a book, magazine, or website with your child and take turns making up names for the people in pictures. Or use the people riding with you on the bus or in the park. Start naming people with A, then B. See how far you
- [Silly handshake](https://gift-connect.org/silly-handshake-2/) - Invent a super silly handshake for you and your child. Take turns adding a step (like shaking twice). Repeat it until you both have it down. Now change one of the steps. How do they respond? Go back and forth between the new and old way.
- [Finding letters](https://gift-connect.org/finding-letters/) - Pick a letter with your child and try to find it everywhere you go. Take turns calling it out when you see it. If they see an apple for the letter A, then you have to find something next. See how many things you can find. Four? Ten? More?
- [Story time with toes](https://gift-connect.org/story-time-with-toes/) - As you sit with your child, hold their feet and touch each of their toes, making up a story about each one. The small one is a little piglet that goes “oink oink!” The next one is his big brother, etc. Keep going and respond to what they do and say!
- [Fun bath time routine](https://gift-connect.org/fun-bath-time-routine/) - Create fun and simple bath routines with your child. For example, every time you feel the temperature you can say, “Splish, splash!” When the bath is over, shake the washcloth saying, “Shake, shake.” Look for ways to add to the bath routine.
- [Sing in different voice](https://gift-connect.org/sing-in-different-voice/) - Instead of talking as usual, try singing in a different voice. For example, it's very funny to sing about getting dressed. Sing, “I'm sliding on my shirt, jumping in my pants,” in a low voice. You and your child can use familiar tunes and make up your own words.
- [Sing rhyming words](https://gift-connect.org/sing-rhyming-words/) - When your child makes a sound, turn it into a rhyme. If they say “Eee,” say, “Eee rhymes with WE and we are together.” How many funny poems can you make with the sounds they are making? It is fun for them and helps them listen to sounds.
- [Sing sounds to favorite tune](https://gift-connect.org/sing-sounds-to-favorite-tune/) - Does your child babble or make lots of sounds? This is a first step in learning to speak. Set these sounds to music. If they're saying, “Ba, ba, ba,” sing this sound to a favorite tune. Watch their eyes light up. Guess what? Your baby's brain lit up too!"
- [Airplane food](https://gift-connect.org/airplane-food/) - Tell your child their food is an airplane and make the food fly around until they open wide so you can land it in their mouth. Make plane noises and talk about whether it is flying high, low, or in circles.
- [Hold objects in different hands](https://gift-connect.org/hold-objects-in-different-hands/) - Hand your child safe objects or toys for their right hand and for their left. Then give them a third. How do they respond? Do they try to hold it with hands that are already full? Talk to them about what they might be thinking about holding objects.
- [Where's your hand?](https://gift-connect.org/wheres-your-hand/) - Put one of your child’s socks on one of their hands, asking “Where’s your Hand?” How do they respond? Wave their hand? Look at it? Next, put it on the other hand. Do they respond in the same way or do anything differently?
- [Drop the ball](https://gift-connect.org/drop-the-ball/) - A fun outside game is "Drop the Ball." Give your child a safe object to hold onto and drop, like a ball or a crumbled piece of paper. If you pick it up, they will drop it again. “Down it falls. Up it comes.” Keep up the game with new objects!
- [Shake, bang, roll](https://gift-connect.org/shake-bang-roll-2/) - 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.”
- [Hold child on knees](https://gift-connect.org/hold-child-on-knees/) - Sit on the floor holding your child on your knees. Gently move them up and down, side to side, and explain what’s going on. “Now you’re going up, up in the sky!” “Now you’re moving over to the door,” or “down, down to the ground.” Make up new ones as you go!
- [Silly faces](https://gift-connect.org/silly-faces-2/) - As you hold your child and look into each other’s eyes, make a silly face or sound. How do they respond? With twinkly eyes? A smile? A laugh? Try it again but do something different. This is the beginning of a lifetime of laughs to share together.
- [Did you hear that?](https://gift-connect.org/did-you-hear-that/) - When you’re outside, ask your child, “Did you hear that?” each time you hear a sound. Imitate the sound out loud and make gestures to go along with it. Invite them to make the sound too.
- [Slow song](https://gift-connect.org/slow-song/) - Play, sing, or hum a slow song and hold your child while you dance together. How do they respond to the feeling of dancing? What about the sound of the music? Respond to what they do. Laugh if they laugh! Enjoy this special moment.
- [Pattern talk](https://gift-connect.org/pattern-talk/) - As you feed your child, put a bright dishcloth, towel, or scarf over your shoulder. Do they notice it? Do they look back and forth between your face and the colors? Talk to them about the different colors or patterns as they do.
- [Copy child's sounds](https://gift-connect.org/copy-childs-sounds/) - As you dress your child, copy the sounds you hear them make, like “ah, eee, ooo, bee, dee.” How do they respond? As you make a sound, place their fingers on your lips so they can feel the vibrations and movements of your lips. Try different sounds as you do!
- [Sing to sleep](https://gift-connect.org/sing-to-sleep/) - As you’re putting your child to bed, rock them gently and sing softly to them. Pay attention to how they tell you they want more singing. Do they turn their head toward you? Smile? Move? What do they do to say “enough?” Cry? Turn away? Take note of how to respond to their cues now
- [Talk about how things feel on skin](https://gift-connect.org/talk-about-how-things-feel-on-skin/) - Talk to your child about how things feel on their skin: “Your shirt is soft.” “The wind is cold.” “The ice cube is slippery.” See how they react and continue the conversation: “You like the warm water in your bath!”
- [Mealtime Melodies](https://gift-connect.org/mealtime-melodies/) - As you feed your child, sing softly and watch how they respond. If they like it, smile and sing even more. If they make some sounds when responding to you, add their sounds to your song so you can make "Mealtime Melodies" together.
- [Sing about laundry](https://gift-connect.org/sing-about-laundry/) - When you’re doing laundry, sing every step: putting in detergent, closing the door, folding the clothes, etc. Watch your child and copy the sounds they make so you can create a song together. This is fun and puts a new spin on this chore.
- [Diaper song](https://gift-connect.org/diaper-song/) - When you’re changing your child’s diaper, sing about what you’re doing. Watch them and copy the sounds they make so you can create a song together. Your song plus their sounds can become your own "Diaper Song" for changing time!
- [Talk about how you eat](https://gift-connect.org/talk-about-how-you-eat/) - When you’re having a snack, talk with your child about what you’re doing. “When I bite an apple, it makes a crunch sound. When you have teeth, you’ll eat apples too.” If they respond or reach for it and it is safe, let them touch it. “It feels smooth, doesn’t it?”
- [Hide and seek](https://gift-connect.org/hide-and-seek/) - Talk with your child as you move around the room, telling them, “Here I am!” Do they move their eyes? Turn or lift their head to look for you? When they find you, give them a big smile, again saying, “Here I am!”
- [Object sounds](https://gift-connect.org/object-sounds/) - Choose a few objects that make noise: keys, phone ringer, musical toy, etc. Show your child each object and then make the sound. Tell them the object's name and what it does. When they respond, do another sound. Go back and forth. See which one they like best.
- [Figure out where the sound is](https://gift-connect.org/figure-out-where-the-sound-is/) - Play with your child by using your voice and/or handy things that make a sound. Bang a pan or hum as you move around. Watch them move their head to follow the sound. Smile and talk with them when they figure out where the sound is coming from.
- [Safe toys](https://gift-connect.org/safe-toys/) - Before you go out, grab some safe things for your child to play with and put them in a bag. While you’re waiting, reach into the bag and talk about what you find. “This is something for you to chew on. Here’s a rattle for you to hold. Let’s shake it!”
- [Sound off](https://gift-connect.org/sound-off/) - Turn waiting into a "Sound Off." Make different sounds like a whisper, peep, ding, or roar. Pause after each sound so your child can respond. Do they smile? Look at you? Make a sound themself? Try a new sound. Keep going back and forth!
- [What's happening at the park?](https://gift-connect.org/whats-happening-at-the-park/) - When out at a place like a park, look for the big kids. Sit your child on your lap or move yourselves so you can watch them together and talk about what you're seeing. “Those kids are playing hide-and-seek like you will one day!"
- [Jiggle a toy](https://gift-connect.org/jiggle-a-toy/) - After a clean diaper is on, hold a small safe toy over your child’s head as they lie on their back. Make a soft noise and jiggle the toy. Do they bat at it with their hands? Try to kick it? Answer their actions with another sound and gentle jiggle.
- [Put a snack in a bottle](https://gift-connect.org/put-a-snack-in-a-bottle/) - 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?”
- [Describe food flavors](https://gift-connect.org/describe-food-flavors/) - As you eat with your child, describe the flavors you both are eating. “The fruit is sweet." "The pickle is sour.” Make a face that goes along with each flavor to make it more fun. You can also talk about which foods you like the best.
- [Set the table together](https://gift-connect.org/set-the-table-together-2/) - As you sit down to eat, look at the table and talk with your child about where things are. “Where’s the plate? The plate is on the table. Veggies are in the bowl. The spoon is next to the plate.” What if you move them? “Now, where is the spoon?”
- [Copy each other while you eat](https://gift-connect.org/copy-each-other-while-you-eat/) - Time to eat? Invite your child to imitate what you do. Pick up your spoon, take some food and say, “Mmm delicious,” and put the spoon down. Or take tiny bites and have them do the same. Then invite them to do something and you copy them.
- [Who wears this?](https://gift-connect.org/who-wears-this/) - As you sort laundry, ask your child to guess who it belongs to. You can hold up a shirt, “Who wears this?” Let them respond and then they can pick the next piece of clothing and you guess. If they don’t know, you can tell them and share how you know this.
- [Describe steps to change clothes](https://gift-connect.org/describe-steps-to-change-clothes/) - Dressing your child? Talk about each step of the process. For example, “First we put your leg in the pants. Then we put in the other leg. Now we pull the pants up.” Pause after each step so they can move their legs, stand up to help you, or make a comment.
- [Describe steps to change diaper](https://gift-connect.org/describe-steps-to-change-diaper/) - When changing your child’s diaper, describe the steps you're taking: “First you lay down. Then we take off your pants. Now I unfasten your diaper.” Pause after each so they can lift their bottom or move their legs to help.
- [Point out colors](https://gift-connect.org/point-out-colors/) - As you shop, let your child help by holding some stuff. Choose the items by color or let them point to the one they want to hold and name the color. “You're holding the yellow box. What else is yellow?” or “Can you hold this brown box?”
- [What's that sound?](https://gift-connect.org/whats-that-sound/) - Do you hear a sound? Pause. Ask your child, “What's that sound?” Take turns guessing. Are you hearing a slamming door or papers rustling? The squeak of a sliding chair or someone clearing their throat? Name them all together!
- [Name that sound](https://gift-connect.org/name-that-sound/) - When you’re outside, pause and ask your child to "Name That Sound." Take turns guessing. Are you hearing children playing or a dog barking? The squeak of a swing or the chirp of a bird? Point out that some things, like ants, don’t make sounds.
- [Where's the crayon?](https://gift-connect.org/wheres-the-crayon/) - Place something small and safe, like a crayon, in the palm of one hand. Close both hands, asking, "Where's the Crayon?" When your child points to one of your hands, open it, saying, "Yes, here’s the crayon!” or if the crayon’s not there, open the other hand.
- [Count steps](https://gift-connect.org/count-steps/) - When your child is learning to walk up and down stairs, hold their hand, and count each step you take. This helps them become familiar with their numbers and it's fun!
- [Use a mirror to play](https://gift-connect.org/use-a-mirror-to-play/) - During changing time, see if there’s something safe and mirror-like to give your child. Point to their nose in the mirror and say, “There’s your nose. Can you find your mouth? Your eyes?” Have a conversation about what they're finding.
- [Use gestures to communicate](https://gift-connect.org/use-gestures-to-communicate/) - Practice using gestures with your child as another way to communicate. You can wave your hand and say “hi!” or shake your head and say “no.” Or you can clap your hands and say “yay!” See if they will mimic your actions and sounds. Try going back and forth like a conversation.
- [Talk about textures](https://gift-connect.org/talk-about-textures/) - As you change your child, talk about the things you’re using and how they feel. Talk about the wet wipe, the soft pad, or whatever is handy. Watch where they're looking or pointing, and talk about that too. “That’s the bed. It’s soft,” or “This is the diaper. It’s smooth!”
- [Talk about your shopping experience](https://gift-connect.org/talk-about-your-shopping-experience/) - As you shop, think about what your child might be seeing and discuss it with them while paying attention to sights, sounds, and smells. “Do you hear someone talking? It’s the lady over there.” “What do you smell? It smells yummy.” “See that red thing? It's an apple we're going to buy.”
- [Sing about daily activities](https://gift-connect.org/sing-about-daily-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?
- [Hide](https://gift-connect.org/hide/) - Invite your child to hide. Then search for them, talking out loud about the clues you're using to find them. You can say, “I see something wiggling. I wonder if they're near that chair.” If they giggle, say, “I hear a laughing noise near the door.” Now you hide and they make up the clues
- [Line up big and small items](https://gift-connect.org/line-up-big-and-small-items/) - Pick a few objects around the house, and line three of them up by size from smallest to biggest. Talk with your child about the lineup. Have them turn around while you rearrange the objects. See if they can put them back into the original order and talk them through it!
- [Talk about how food changes](https://gift-connect.org/talk-about-how-food-changes/) - Chat with your child about how foods change as you cook them. You could show them how a pancake or tortilla goes from doughy to solid. Or how pasta or rice becomes soft. Let them use all their senses and touch them before and after (once cooled.) Talk together about what you see!
- [Getting Dressed Conversations](https://gift-connect.org/getting-dressed-conversations/) - While getting dressed in the morning, chat with your child about if they should wear short sleeves or long sleeves. Do they need long sleeves to stay warm, or short sleeves to stay cool? Pretend together to be hot or cold and act out how you would feel. Brrrr!
- [Singing Conversations](https://gift-connect.org/singing-conversations-2/) - While waiting, create singing conversations. Instead of talking back-and-forth, quietly sing what you want to say to each other. How does your child respond? Then try whispering. Keep going back and forth and make it a game.
- [Counting items in nature](https://gift-connect.org/counting-items-in-nature/) - Being out and about is a great time to be on the lookout for what’s around. As you go, point out what you see. Do you see birds, trees, leaves, people? Ask your child, “How many do you see?” Take turns pointing to different things all over!
- [Different Volumes](https://gift-connect.org/different-volumes/) - As you walk, listen to your child. Which sounds are quiet, which are loud? Yell “loud!” and mimic the sound. Then whisper “quiet” and try that one too. Go back and forth with them imitating all the sounds at their different volumes.
- [Dance](https://gift-connect.org/dance/) - Let your child pick a fun, fast song to dance to. Ask them to make a dance move and then copy what they do. Take turns going back and forth copying each other’s dance moves.
- [Compare your drinks](https://gift-connect.org/compare-your-drinks/) - As you both have something to drink, take turns talking about how your cups are the same and different. Is one bigger? Smaller? What colors are they? What is in your cups? Is the liquid warm or cold?
- [Guess what's inside](https://gift-connect.org/guess-whats-inside/) - Is there an empty tissue or wipes box handy when changing your child’s diaper? Hide something safe inside, lie them down, and give them the box. Shaking it, ask “Can you guess what’s inside?” See if you can keep the guessing game going until they're changed and dressed!
- [What do you feel?](https://gift-connect.org/what-do-you-feel/) - Put some safe items your child loves—like an egg carton, plastic bottle, or small box—into a bag just for them. They can play with the full bag. When they reach in, ask, “What do you feel? Is it an egg carton or a bottle?”
- [Point out favorite foods](https://gift-connect.org/point-out-favorite-foods/) - As you go shopping, point out some of your favorite foods to your child and see if they like them: “I love bananas, do you?” Then invite them to point out a favorite food. Tell them if you like it. Play back and forth as you move down the aisles.
- [Hot vs. cold game](https://gift-connect.org/hot-vs-cold-game/) - Hide something like a spoon or cup and encourage your child to find it. As they get closer say, “You’re getting warm.” If they move farther away say, “You’re getting cold.” After they find it, take turns choosing a hiding place and use “warm” and “cold” to tell each other where to look.
- [How many crackers did you eat?](https://gift-connect.org/how-many-crackers-did-you-eat/) - At mealtime or snacktime, create math stories with your child: “Imagine you’re a hungry bear and these crackers look yummy.” Count them together and invite them to choose a number of crackers to eat. Then ask: “How many crackers did you eat? How many crackers are left?”
- [Napkin Folding Shapes](https://gift-connect.org/napkin-folding-shapes/) - When you set the table for a meal, encourage your child to think of different ways to fold napkins or paper towels to make different shapes and sizes. You might say, “What shapes can you make?" "What does this shape look like?" "What would happen if you kept folding the corners down?”
- [Plan an imaginary trip](https://gift-connect.org/plan-an-imaginary-trip/) - Pretend you and your child are packing for a trip. It can be for a visit to a family member’s house or an imaginary trip, like to outer space. Take turns naming things to bring. As they get older, you can try coming up with things in alphabetical order.
- [Stomp and clap](https://gift-connect.org/stomp-and-clap/) - Ask your child to listen to your words and do what you say, instead of following what you do. Say, “Stomp your feet” while you clap your hands. They should stomp their feet and try not to focus on the clapping. Try new words and new actions when they learn to do this. Take turns!
- [Celebrate special moments](https://gift-connect.org/celebrate-special-moments/) - Special moments happen all the time. Trips to a new park, visits with family, or birthdays are a few examples. Stretch those moments! Ask your child to help you make a memory book using photos or drawings. Then write down the words they use to describe what's happening in the pictures.
- [Imitate each other](https://gift-connect.org/imitate-each-other/) - Ask your child to imitate you as you walk, jump, clap, or bend down to touch your toes. Then see if they can do the actions when you just say the words. Challenge them by going fast and slow or adding multiple steps like, “Reach up, turn around, and then jump!”
- [Traffic jam game](https://gift-connect.org/traffic-jam-game/) - Sitting in traffic makes anyone antsy. So turn it into a clapping game with just a few simple rules. If the radio is on, have your child clap to the music. If you turn the radio off, they stop clapping and freeze.
- [The Big Game](https://gift-connect.org/the-big-game/) - Play "The Big Game" by naming something big. Then ask your child, “Can you name something that’s bigger?” Take turns and keep playing until you come up with the biggest, most gigantic, huge thing you can think of. Switch it up and name the smallest thing you can think of.
- [Point out the same color](https://gift-connect.org/point-out-the-same-color/) - Ask your child, “What color is your shirt today (or pants or dress)?” Then ask, “What other things are that color?” Add your ideas, too, and make it a back and forth game. See how many things you can think of.
- [Sandwich Shapes](https://gift-connect.org/sandwich-shapes/) - Sandwiches can seem even better when they aren’t square. As you make one for your child, ask, “How many pieces do you want?” Count them together. Talk about their shapes or arrange them on a plate in a new shape and ask what it looks like now.
- [Give options](https://gift-connect.org/give-options/) - Try giving your child some options today. As you’re getting dressed give them a choice between two shirts. Ask them why they like the one they have chosen, where they remember wearing it. What else has the same color or pattern?
- [Repeat sounds](https://gift-connect.org/repeat-sounds-2/) - When you’re doing the dishes, use one of the clean pots and a spoon to make a drum. Copy each other’s sounds. Go back and forth taking turns, repeating the same sounds. Build on each other’s rhythm.
- [Stay silent game](https://gift-connect.org/stay-silent-game/) - While waiting, challenge your child to see how long both of you can be silent. Let them be the timer. You can use your face and body movements to communicate. Whoever stays silent the longest wins!
- [Stop-and-go](https://gift-connect.org/stop-and-go/) - While at the park, play a game of "Stop-and-Go" with your child. When you say “go” you both run, dance, and jump around. Then, when you say “stop” everybody freezes. After a few rounds, let them be the one to shout the commands.
- [Create real life and book connections](https://gift-connect.org/create-real-life-and-book-connections/) - 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
- [Rhyming Words](https://gift-connect.org/rhyming-words/) - 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."
- [Talk about the weather](https://gift-connect.org/talk-about-the-weather/) - 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 about your plans](https://gift-connect.org/talk-about-your-plans/) - 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?
- [Color Day](https://gift-connect.org/color-day/) - 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.
- [Nature Picking](https://gift-connect.org/nature-picking/) - Going out? Grab a container and see what you and your child find that’s safe to pick up. Do you see some rocks to bring home and decorate? Do you see some leaves to glue into a collage? Do you see a bug to watch before you let it go? Continue watching and talking about
- [Grocery Shopping Conversation](https://gift-connect.org/grocery-shopping-conversation-2/) - When you're grocery shopping with your child, hand them some of the items before you put them into the cart. As they check each out, tell them its name and talk about what you plan to use it for. Make sure it’s a conversation, where they're adding their ideas!
- [Microphone Fun](https://gift-connect.org/microphone-fun/) - Waiting is a part of life. Do you wait in line at the store, at a doctor's office, or for a ride? While you're waiting, pretend you’re a newscaster. Using your pretend microphone, ask your child questions: “What do you see? Who else is here? What do you think is going to happen next?”
- [Turn chores into fun](https://gift-connect.org/turn-chores-into-fun/) - 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!
- [Ask questions about stories](https://gift-connect.org/ask-questions-about-stories/) - 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?”
- [Object Fun](https://gift-connect.org/object-fun-2/) - Choose an object in your home, like a used paper towel roll, and challenge your child to see how many different ways they can use it. It can be a telescope, a tunnel for something small, or a musical instrument like a horn. What other items can they find around the house to explore? Take
- [Shared Story](https://gift-connect.org/object-fun/) - Start telling a story with your child: “Once upon a time there was a beautiful person who lived in a castle.” Ask them, “What do you think this person did today?” They might say, “She played!” You continue, “What did she play with?” Keep the story going based on their responses.
- [Empty vs. Full](https://gift-connect.org/empty-vs-full/) - Give your child two plastic tubs or old boxes and ask them to choose safe things like toys or spoons to put inside. Ask questions about more and less, empty and full. You can say, “I wonder which box has more spoons? How can we find out?” See what ideas they come up with!
- [Counting crackers](https://gift-connect.org/counting-crackers/) - Are you eating crackers or other food like that? Ask your child how many they want. Give them that amount and say, “Eat one. How many are left?” Count together, encouraging them to count out loud. Then you take a turn. Continue this game until the crackers are all gone.
- [Bath time songs](https://gift-connect.org/bath-time-songs/) - During bathtime sing your child’s favorite songs. You can make up your own song about what’s happening in the bath too. Are they pouring water from a cup, or pretending with a toy? Encourage them to sing their own song and respond to them.
- [New Edutainment Song for Early Childhood Development is Live!](https://gift-connect.org/new-edutainment-song-for-early-childhood-development-is-live/) - “My Baby” is live! Following the success of the Abujubuju Baby Song, which currently has over 260,000 views on YouTube, we are proud to announce our next Edutainment song in Kenya: My Baby. Through our Edutainment songs, Global Ambassador Stellar Mengele, shares the importance of the Six Loving Habits - speak, sing, read, play, count
- [Handy Helpers](https://gift-connect.org/handy-helpers/) - 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!
- [Play catch](https://gift-connect.org/play-catch/) - 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.
- [Explore a small space](https://gift-connect.org/explore-a-small-space/) - 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.
- [Describe what they see](https://gift-connect.org/describe-what-they-see/) - While you’re with your child watch what catches their eye. Point to things you see and say what they are. “There’s a black bird and he’s flying!” or “The little girl is jumping.” Watch where they're looking and say what it is.
- [If you're happy and you know it ...](https://gift-connect.org/if-youre-happy-and-you-know-it/) - Sing “If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands.” (If you don't know the tune, make up your own.) At the end of the line, clap your hands and ask your child to clap their hands too. Next, try changing up actions: touch your nose, hop on one foot, or snap your fingers.
- [Connect words to body parts](https://gift-connect.org/connect-words-to-body-parts/) - When your child starts to say words or make sounds that could be words, connect them to more words. If they say “nose,” you can say, “There’s your nose and there’s mine.” If they say “beep, beep,” you can say, “The horns on the car go beep, beep.” Later you can ask, “What sound do
- [Play with different containers](https://gift-connect.org/play-with-different-containers/) - Give your child safe containers of different sizes to play with. You can use measuring cups, bowls, or whatever is handy. Encourage them to try placing some of the containers inside others. Talk together about what they're doing. "Two cups fit inside the big pot." "Which others fit? Which ones don't?" Ask questions to keep
- [Peekaboo Day](https://gift-connect.org/peekaboo-day/) - Make today “Peekaboo Day.” See how many times and ways you can play "Peekaboo" with your child. Catch their eye around a corner, through your fingers, over a book, from under a chair.
- [Peekaboo](https://gift-connect.org/peekaboo-2/) - How many ways can you play "Peekaboo"? You can hide your eyes behind your hand, or use a hat, a napkin, or whatever is handy and then say “Peekaboo!” Help your child take a turn. What can they hide behind? Saying “I see you!” when one of you stops hiding should make you both laugh.
- [Dangle objects](https://gift-connect.org/dangle-objects/) - Place your baby on their back and dangle anything safe, handy, and interesting just out of their reach. Encourage them to follow the objects with their eyes and head or to reach for them. Comment on how hard they try, “You almost touched the spoon!”
- [Shaking Keys](https://gift-connect.org/shaking-keys/) - Put your baby on their back or tummy and shake something that makes noise, like keys. Do they follow the sound with their eyes or head? What do they do when you shake fast or slow? If they do something, copy that action or sound and have a conversation without words.
- [Watch your child](https://gift-connect.org/watch-your-child/) - Take a minute today to watch your child. Pay attention to what they look at. How do they move? What do they sound like? What are they learning? Even when you’re busy, responding to what they are learning deepens your connection with them.
- [Dance Together](https://gift-connect.org/dance-together-2/) - Dance with your child and ask, “Should we dance slow?” Pick them up and gently move as you hum a slow tune. “Should we dance fast?” Change your tune and dance faster. Watch how they use their arms or move to tell you which they like and respond to what they're telling you.
- [Funny sounds](https://gift-connect.org/funny-sounds/) - After you change your child, puff up your cheeks like a blowfish and then place their feet on your cheeks to push the air out till you go “pop!” What other sounds or faces can you make together—like sticking out your tongue? Can they copy some of these?
- [Mix things up](https://gift-connect.org/mix-things-up/) - Sometimes it can be fun to mix things up as you make statements like, “Your banana is blue. I wear shoes on my ears,” or “This ice cream is hot.” Give your child a chance to correct you and show how much they know before they take a turn mixing things up.
- [Guess the family member](https://gift-connect.org/guess-the-family-member/) - Ask your child to think of a family member or friend without telling you who. Have them give you hints until you guess who the mystery person is. Then it’s your turn to pick a person and their turn to guess.
- [Ask Questions](https://gift-connect.org/ask-questions-2/) - Ask your child questions like, “Would you rather be a bird or a fish? Why?" Have them give you a few reasons from real-life experience like, "I love the water so I want to be a fish!" Then you take a turn answering their questions!
- [Rhyming Fun](https://gift-connect.org/rhyming-fun/) - 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?
- [Hum a song](https://gift-connect.org/hum-a-song/) - Start humming a song your child knows and have them guess what it is. If they guess wrong, start over and hum the tune again. After a few guesses, you can add in some words to the song as hints. After a few tries, let them try a tune while you guess.
- [Describe Their World](https://gift-connect.org/describe-their-world/) - What is your child doing? Reaching for a toy? Hitting two blocks together to make a sound? As they discover their world, pay attention, smile, and use words that they will learn someday: “You reached out your fingers and got your toy.”
- [Repeat Sounds](https://gift-connect.org/repeat-sounds/) - Is your child making lots of sounds? Talk back to them by repeating their sounds or describing what they’re doing using a sing-song voice. Do they respond by kicking their feet, waving their arms, or making more sounds? Together, you’re telling your own story!
- [Describe what they feel](https://gift-connect.org/describe-what-they-feel/) - Talk to your child about how things feel on their skin: “Your shirt is soft.” “The wind is cold.” “The ice cube is slippery.” See how they react and continue the conversation: “You like the warm water in your bath!”
- [Play Store](https://gift-connect.org/play-store/) - Encourage your child to set up a store at home using items from around the house. Once the shelves are stocked, they can pretend to go shopping. Help them make a shopping list and find a bag or basket. You can be the cashier. Talk with them about what they're shopping for. Then switch. You
- [Create a short story](https://gift-connect.org/create-a-short-story/) - Come up with a short story for your child to act out. Say something like, “There once was a child who loved to climb trees,” and encourage them to pretend to climb. Add on to the story with more actions. See how creative you can get. Let them have a turn to tell a story
- [Use string to measure body parts](https://gift-connect.org/use-string-to-measure-body-parts/) - Show your child how to use string or yarn to measure parts of their body. Have them put out their arm and hold the string along the length of their arm. Cut the string and hold it out: How long is it? Can they compare it to other body parts? Can they measure your arm?
- [Clap and Freeze](https://gift-connect.org/clap-and-freeze/) - Clap your hands and ask your child to stop and freeze in a pose when you stop clapping. When you begin clapping again, they should move, then stop in a different pose when the clapping stops. First, clap slowly. Then get faster so they have to keep changing poses. Take turns, letting them be the
- [Exploring Five Senses](https://gift-connect.org/exploring-five-senses/) - Using self-control and focus while eating a favorite treat can be fun. First, ask your child to look at the snack and describe what they see. Then smell it, touch it, and finally take just a little taste. Talk with them about what they did to help them wait.
- [The Pretend Game](https://gift-connect.org/the-pretend-game/) - Play a game where you pretend to be an animal, object, or someone you both know. See if your child can guess who or what you are. Clues like sound effects or movements are helpful. When your child guesses, have them take a turn and you guess. Enjoy!
- [Build a Maze](https://gift-connect.org/build-a-maze/) - Work together to build a maze. You can use things like chairs, tables, pillows, or whatever is handy. Then sing or play music while your child walk's through the maze. When the music stops, they should stop. See if they can move to the music when it gets faster and slower.
- [Dance Party](https://gift-connect.org/dance-party/) - Playtime can become a dance party. Turn on some music, sing, or hum, and start doing a silly dance: shake a leg, wiggle your hips. Can your child copy your moves? Next song, it's their turn to lead. Go back and forth until you’re danced out!
- [Favorite Talks](https://gift-connect.org/favorite-talks/) - Tonight at dinner, talk about favorites. “What is your favorite color (animal, food, place, book)?" You start and then let your child have a turn. Keep going back and forth until you each name five favorites!
- [Animal Adventure](https://gift-connect.org/animal-adventure/) - Turn your living room into an "Animal Adventure." Make an animal noise. Can your child guess the name of the animal? Can they copy the sound back? Now it’s their turn to make a sound for you to guess. See how many times you can go back and forth: “Woofff! Hissssss! Rooarr!”
- [Cook Together](https://gift-connect.org/cook-together-2/) - 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 Five Senses](https://gift-connect.org/food-five-senses/) - 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.
- [Rhythm Clap](https://gift-connect.org/rhythm-clap/) - Tap a rhythm with your hands and let your child do their best to copy. Try different patterns of sounds and lengths, like clapping or opening and closing your fist. Then you can take a turn to copy what they do. See how long you can go back and forth.
- [Count Bites](https://gift-connect.org/count-bites/) - Sometimes mealtime can be a challenge. Encourage your child to eat by offering them choices about how they eat. You can say something like, “Do you want two big dinosaur bites or four little bird bites?” Count the bites together and ask them to think of their own "Animal Bites" eating ideas.
- [Pretend Play](https://gift-connect.org/pretend-play/) - What can you find in your house to play pretend with your child? Offer them clothes, blankets, empty boxes, or clean and safe kitchen objects to use. Follow their lead and see where it takes you. If you need to, you can give them ideas like, “Should we build a boat or pretend to cook
- [Play Kitchen](https://gift-connect.org/play-kitchen/) - Work together with your child to create a play kitchen by offering them pots, spoons, and other safe kitchen items. Use the top of a table as a stove and ask them what they need to make food, like soup. Pretend to put in ingredients and take turns stirring and tasting your creation!
- [Obstacle Course](https://gift-connect.org/obstacle-course/) - Make an obstacle course today! Line up a few pillows for a jump or go under the table as a tunnel. Lines on the floor could even become a tightrope. Try one or two of these and then add on some of your own! Talk to your child about what they're doing as they do
- [Take Turns Taking a Bite](https://gift-connect.org/take-turns-taking-a-bite/) - 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!
- [Exercise Together](https://gift-connect.org/exercise-together-2/) - 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?
- [Copy Facial Expressions](https://gift-connect.org/copy-facial-expressions/) - 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.
- [Describe Movements](https://gift-connect.org/describe-movements/) - 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.
- [Showing Hunger](https://gift-connect.org/showing-hunger/) - 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.
- [Dinner Time Talk](https://gift-connect.org/dinner-time-talk/) - 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
- [Dinner Time Story](https://gift-connect.org/dinner-time-story/) - When feeding your child, use that time to tell them a story. You can make one up or share something that happened when you were a child. When they respond to your voice and make a sound, repeat the same sound back to them.
- [Detective](https://gift-connect.org/detective/) - How does your child tell you they're hungry? Do they fuss? Turn their head toward the bottle or breast? Look at you? How do they tell you they've had enough? Do they turn away? Stop eating? Push away? You can be a detective. Look for the clues and talk to them about what you think
- [Muffin Tin Plate](https://gift-connect.org/muffin-tin-plate/) - Do you have a muffin tin or ice tray at home? Take small pieces of your child’s finger foods and put them in different sections of the tin or tray. Leave some empty spaces so they can move pieces around. Describe out loud what they're doing, “You moved the cracker over!”
- [Blanket Game](https://gift-connect.org/blanket-game/) - Place your child on their back on a blanket. Holding either side of the blanket above their head, gently lift the sides and move them up almost into a sitting position. Look into their eyes, smile, and speak to them then gently lower them back down. If they enjoyed it, do it again!
- [Car Color Game](https://gift-connect.org/car-color-game/) - Before you go out, ask your child what color of car they think is the most popular. Invite them to count how many cars of that color they see along the way. At the same time, you look for a different color and keep track too. Then talk about what you found out together.
- [Where Are We Going Game](https://gift-connect.org/where-are-we-going-game/) - 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
- [Point Out Signs](https://gift-connect.org/point-out-signs/) - 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").
- [The ABC Game](https://gift-connect.org/the-abc-game/) - When you’re out and about with your child, play "The ABC Game." Take turns spotting each letter in the alphabet from A to Z on road signs, billboards, cars, licenses, and more! Write out the letters so they can match them with what they see.
- [Find the Colors](https://gift-connect.org/find-the-colors/) - 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.
- [Telescope Hands](https://gift-connect.org/telescope-hands/) - Make a telescope with your hands. Circle your fingers and hold them to your eye and look at your child telling them, “I see you!” Show them how to make their own finger telescope. Take turns looking through the finger telescope and sharing what you see.
- [Describe the Day](https://gift-connect.org/describe-the-day/) - Describe to your child how the day is: “Today is bright and sunny. I can feel the warmth of the sun on my face,” or “Brrr, today is cold! That’s why we have coats on.” Ask them to take a turn. Be sure to respond to their words or sounds.
- [Talk About the Ride](https://gift-connect.org/talk-about-the-ride/) - As you ride in a bus, train, or car with your child, talk about the ride! You can say, “Here comes a bumpy road!” and talk about how it feels or sway back and forth as you say, “Here come the curves!” Talk about whether you're going fast or slow and how that feels. Let
- [Speak and Imitate](https://gift-connect.org/speak-and-imitate/) - Is your child trying to speak and imitate what you say? Try to build on this when you’re out by pointing to vehicles that pass by and naming them. If you see a car, bus, truck or taxi, call it out. Involve them by having them point and name with you.
- [Ride 'em Cowboy](https://gift-connect.org/ride-em-cowboy/) - With your child on your lap, pretend you’re riding together on different things. First say, “We’re on a horse. Neigh!” while bouncing up and down. Then say, “Now we’re in a race car!” and move quickly from side to side. Watch their reaction to the motions and repeat the ones that they like.
- [Window Catcher](https://gift-connect.org/read-words/) - Ask your child if they want to be a window watcher. Follow their gaze as you point out a window and chat about what you both see. Share where you're looking. Create names for what’s out there and talk about what each thing does.
- [What Sounds do You Hear?](https://gift-connect.org/what-sounds-do-you-hear/) - When you’re out with your child, talk about what you hear. It can be cars, birds, or sirens. Ask your child if they hear the sounds you do. Wait for them to listen. Touch your ears or theirs, or point to where the sound is. Then name another sound and wait for them to respond.
- [Shopping List Story](https://gift-connect.org/shopping-list-story/) - Going shopping? Make a shopping list and create a story together about the items on the list to remember them: “Once there was a dragon who … loved to eat carrots and slept on a can of soup.” At the store, encourage your child to retell the story and hunt for each item, checking it
- [Talk About Why](https://gift-connect.org/talk-about-why/) - Every child sometimes does something they should NOT do. Use this time to talk to them about WHY they should not have done it. Then ask them to draw a picture of what happened on a piece of paper. On the other side of the paper, have them draw what they could have done in
- [Talk About Tomorrow](https://gift-connect.org/talk-about-tomorrow/) - Today’s the perfect time to talk to your child about tomorrow. Find out what they hope tomorrow has in store for them: “If you could do anything tomorrow, what would you most want to do?" Ask follow-up questions to stretch the moment. It’s a good way to learn about their hopes for the future.
- [Making Faces](https://gift-connect.org/making-faces/) - Make a face that expresses a feeling. Ask your child to make a face that shows the opposite feeling. If you make a happy face, they should make a sad face. Chat about when they remember people making these faces. Take a selfie or draw a picture together with your goofiest faces to stretch the
- [Point Out Letters](https://gift-connect.org/point-out-letters/) - Encourage your child to point out letters on signs. Chat about the shapes of the letters. Is the letter A pointy like a triangle? What about the letter O? How many letters of the alphabet can you find? Enjoy describing their Letter Shapes.
- [More Stories](https://gift-connect.org/more-stories/) - Your child probably enjoys listening to their favorite stories and songs over and over again. After singing or telling stories with them, ask if they want more. How do they respond? Do they nod or squirm away? Talk about their actions like, “You said yes!” or “You look like you’re all done.”
- [What do you hear](https://gift-connect.org/what-do-you-hear/) - Pay attention to the sounds you're hearing and talk about them with your child. “I hear a bird tweeting. Do you?” Try to find the bird. Do this with fire trucks or cars going “vroom!” Pay attention to what they are listening to and ask them, “What do you hear?”
- [Copy Sounds](https://gift-connect.org/copy-sounds/) - As you dress your child, copy the sounds you hear them make, like “ah, eee, ooo, bee, dee.” How do they respond? As you make a sound, place their fingers on your lips so they can feel the vibrations and movements of your lips. Try different sounds as you do!
- [Make Funny Sounds](https://gift-connect.org/make-funny-sounds/) - When you’re changing your child, make a funny sound. How do they respond? By smiling? Kicking their legs? Making a sound? Try a new sound and see what they do. Keep adding new ones to the mix!
- [Sightsee in your Home](https://gift-connect.org/sightsee-in-your-home/) - Go sightseeing in your home! Walk with your baby and point out different objects. Describe an item and if safe, let them touch it. Say, “Do you feel the lamp shade? It is rough. Watch what happens when I turn on the light.” Pay attention to where they point or look and respond.
- [Hiding Bowl](https://gift-connect.org/hiding-bowl/) - Turn some bowls upside down and cover them with a towel. Reach under the towel and hide something—like a spoon—under one of the bowls. Then pull off the cover. Can your child figure out which bowl is the hiding bowl from having watched your hand move under the towel?
- [Same or Different](https://gift-connect.org/same-or-different/) - While in the store, hold up different pairs of things and ask your child how they're the same or different. You can model this kind of thinking and say, “This pepper is green and this pepper is red, but they’re the same vegetable!” Encourage them to describe what they see.
- [Draw Shapes in the Air](https://gift-connect.org/draw-shapes-in-the-air/) - Ask your child to watch your finger as you draw a shape in the air. Start with something simple, like a circle. Can they guess what it is? Make it harder and draw more complicated shapes, like a heart or a star. Then have them take a turn drawing and you take a turn guessing.
- [Balancing Act](https://gift-connect.org/balancing-act/) - Take turns with your child standing on one foot and then the other, trying to balance. You can say, “Your turn,” and “My turn.” See if you can do it with your eyes closed. What else can you do?
- [My Turn, Your Turn](https://gift-connect.org/my-turn-your-turn/) - Take turns stacking things with your child to build a tower. Say, “My turn,” as you stack one and then, “Your turn,” as they do. Eventually, stop using words. Do they keep taking turns? Try to playfully break the rules and take two turns. What do they do?
- [Silly Song Game](https://gift-connect.org/silly-song-game/) - You and your child can play this game anywhere you are. Find a small item to pass back and forth and sing a song as you do. As the song ends, whoever has the object does something special or silly, like blink three times or jump up and down. Take turns.
- [Be a Statue](https://gift-connect.org/be-a-statue/) - Ask your child to pretend to be a statue and freeze in a pose, like standing on one foot. Try to have them hold this pose as long as possible while you do everything you can to make them laugh and move. Then you can take a turn as the statue and see if they
- [Copy Each Other](https://gift-connect.org/copy-each-other/) - Smile at your child and wink at them. Then encourage them to try to copy you. When they can do this, change the order—wink first and then smile. You can step it up the challenge by smiling and winking two times.
- [Word Pattern](https://gift-connect.org/word-pattern-2/) - Pick two food words, such as banana and apple, to make a word pattern two times. Repeat with your child, “Banana, apple, banana, apple.” Have them pick two food words and make a pattern two times: “fork, spoon, fork, spoon.” Talk about which word comes first and second.
- [Celebrate Independence](https://gift-connect.org/celebrate-independence/) - Does your child want to do everything themselves? Whether it’s eating with fingers or trying to use a fork, give them ways to be more independent. Talk to them about what they're doing. If they need, help them a little. When they're done, notice how they respond with a smile or an “I did it!”
- [Clothes Options](https://gift-connect.org/clothes-options/) - Does your child want to choose their clothes? Help them by giving them two choices: “Do you want to wear your blue pants or your green pants?” When they choose, congratulate them by saying, “Great choice, I like those too.”
- [Teeth Brushing Partner](https://gift-connect.org/teeth-brushing-partner/) - When brushing your teeth, have your child be your partner. Let them brush their own teeth first, then give them your toothbrush so they can help brush yours. Ask, “Can you help me brush my teeth? Can you brush the ones in the front, and then the ones on the sides?” Take turns!
- [Rock Play](https://gift-connect.org/rock-play/) - Ask your child to find an object like a stick or rock and place it on the ground near you. Encourage them to explore different ways of moving over it: Can they jump? Hop over on just one foot? Run and then jump? Take turns jumping with them and talk together about how far you
- [Expressing Feelings with Words](https://gift-connect.org/expressing-feelings-with-words/) - 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.
- [Object Game](https://gift-connect.org/object-game/) - Offer your child something common like a scarf, an empty box, or a pot. Watch to see what they do. Do they try to put the scarf in the box or the lid on the pot? Boost their learning by commenting on what they're doing, "You put the scarf in the box!"
- [Washing Machine Magic](https://gift-connect.org/washing-machine-magic/) - Is there a window on the front of your washing machine? Watch it spin with your child. If there isn’t a window, lift them so they can see the water going into the machine. Say things like, “Look, the water is rinsing soap off the clothes.” See how they respond and respond back to them.
- [Take Turns Pointing at Things](https://gift-connect.org/take-turns-pointing-at-things/) - When your child points at something, talk back and forth about what they notice like, “You see the big truck!” Then you can take a turn to point something out to them and say what you see. Do they turn to look at it? Do they point or name the object?
- [Describe what you see](https://gift-connect.org/describe-what-you-see-2/) - Almost everything is new to your child in their first year. So describe what you see. “There goes the yellow school bus. Beep beep!” Let them see, hear, smell, and even touch things, if possible. Notice what they're interested in and have a back-and-forth chat. “You see the big tree? What else do you see?”
- [Texture Play](https://gift-connect.org/texture-play/) - As you help your child dress, put different kinds of fabrics on their bare feet. Talk about how a soft blanket feels on their toes. Then switch to something else, like a scratchy sweater, and describe it. Watch your baby's reactions and then respond. Which textures do they smile at or pull away from?
- [Water Play](https://gift-connect.org/water-play/) - Help your child get used to the bathwater by sprinkling some warm water on their toes, feet, legs, and tummy. Watch how they react to the water and respond. Let them know with your words where you will sprinkle the water next and name each part of the body as you go.
- [Singing Day](https://gift-connect.org/singing-day/) - Make today a singing day. Instead of talking, try singing to your child about what you’re doing. Make up new words to a familiar tune or create your own! It might feel silly at first, but they love to hear the sound of your voice singing. Respond to any sounds they make.
- [Bed Time Relaxation Game](https://gift-connect.org/bed-time-relaxation-game/) - At bedtime, invite your child to close their eyes. Then imagine relaxing just one toe, then one whole foot, then one leg. Keep going through their entire body. Afterward, talk about how they feel. Give them a turn to lead you through relaxing.
- [Word Game](https://gift-connect.org/word-game/) - Play a word game with your child. Choose a word like “stop.” Ask them, “What happens if you take the 's' away? It’s top.” Then add an “s” at the end—it’s tops. What other words can be switched around like this? Talk together about the different words, real and made-up. Have fun and take turns.
- [Take Turns Adding to a Story](https://gift-connect.org/take-turns-adding-to-a-story/) - Look for something you see that could start a story. It could be a picture or an object. Begin with “Once upon a time, there was a … .” Encourage your child to continue the story. Take turns adding to it. It doesn’t matter if the story makes sense, as long as you’re having fun!
- [Senses in Nature](https://gift-connect.org/senses-in-nature/) - Outside with your child? Name one of the senses like “see” or “hear.” Encourage them to share everything they notice with that sense, like the sun shining or birds chirping. Then it’s their turn to say one of the senses and your turn to share what you notice. Take turns using all your senses.
- [Talk About Sounds](https://gift-connect.org/talk-about-sounds/) - Take a few minutes with your child to stop and listen. Ask them what they hear. Does it sound like anything else they know? Have them guess what you hear. Together count how many different sounds you each hear and figure out what they are. How many can you guess?
- [Clap to the Rhythm](https://gift-connect.org/clap-to-the-rhythm/) - 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!
- [Chit Chat about Your Day](https://gift-connect.org/chit-chat-about-your-day/) - 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?
- [Silly Song](https://gift-connect.org/silly-song/) - 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?
- [Green Light, Red Light](https://gift-connect.org/green-light-red-light/) - 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
- [The Stomping Game](https://gift-connect.org/the-stomping-game/) - 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!
- [Animal Game](https://gift-connect.org/animal-game/) - 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.
- [Silly Speech](https://gift-connect.org/silly-speech-2/) - 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
- [Set the Table Together](https://gift-connect.org/set-the-table-together/) - 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?
- [Singing Conversations](https://gift-connect.org/singing-conversations/) - While waiting, create singing conversations. Instead of talking back-and-forth, quietly sing what you want to say to each other. How does your child respond? Then try whispering. Keep going back and forth and make it a game.
- [Do What You Like Game](https://gift-connect.org/do-what-you-like-game/) - 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.
- [Guessing Game](https://gift-connect.org/guessing-game-3/) - 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.”
- [Read Everything Out Loud](https://gift-connect.org/read-everything-out-loud/) - Your child learns best from what you say and do, so read everything you can out loud. Read signs outside, recipes, or ads in a paper or magazine. Be sure to point at what you're reading too. Do they imitate any of your words or sounds? Do they point, too? Go back and forth with
- [Describe what your child is looking at](https://gift-connect.org/describe-what-your-child-is-looking-at/) - 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!”
- [Describe "dat"](https://gift-connect.org/describe-dat/) - Does your child point and say “dat”? Ask them, “What do you want?” Have them lead you to what they're pointing at. When you find it, you can say, “That’s a spoon!” or “That’s the light switch!”
- [Talk About Emotions](https://gift-connect.org/talk-about-emotions/) - When you’re getting ready to go out, talk about what you’re doing and how your child might be feeling. Maybe you could say, “We're getting ready to go to the store. You're wriggling and have a smile on your face. You seem excited. Let’s go and see what we find there.” How do they respond?
- [Narrate Your Day](https://gift-connect.org/narrate-your-day/) - Even if your child doesn’t seem to understand, tell them everything you’re doing as you get them ready in the morning. Start with how you picked their clothes and go from there. Make eye contact and respond back to the sounds they make.
- [Sock Game](https://gift-connect.org/sock-game/) - When you‘re folding laundry, take long socks and dangle them above your child’s head. Encourage them to try and capture the toes of the socks! As they move their arms up and down to reach the socks, you can say, “Up!” and “Down!” to describe their actions.
- [Find Baby's Favorite Tune](https://gift-connect.org/find-babys-favorite-tune/) - When your child seems fussy, try singing a rhyme or a song. Do they calm down when your voice is quiet, or do they respond to big facial expressions and an enthusiastic voice? Try different rhymes and songs to find their favorites.
- [Who's That Baby](https://gift-connect.org/whos-that-baby/) - Hold a mirror up to your child’s face and ask, “Who’s that baby?” Then say their name. Pull the mirror away and watch them. Do they smile? Wave their hands and feet? Do they reach out for the mirror? Comment on what they're telling you with their actions.
- [Counting Steps](https://gift-connect.org/counting-steps/) - When you're outside, try playing this game with your child. Give them a place to stand and have them estimate how many steps they are from you. When they walk back, count their steps together aloud. Try all different distances!
- [Seasons Conversation](https://gift-connect.org/seasons-conversation/) - Walking somewhere today? Talk to your child about the seasons. Is it cold or warm? What clues do you see that tell you what season it is? Snow? Flowers? Colorful Leaves?
- [Color Name Game](https://gift-connect.org/color-name-game/) - 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.
- [Weather Chat](https://gift-connect.org/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](https://gift-connect.org/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](https://gift-connect.org/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](https://gift-connect.org/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](https://gift-connect.org/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](https://gift-connect.org/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](https://gift-connect.org/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](https://gift-connect.org/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](https://gift-connect.org/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?
- [Face Feelings](https://gift-connect.org/face-feelings/) - Ask your child to talk about their day using feeling words like happy, excited, and sad. Try questions like, “Was there a time when you felt frustrated today?” Ask them to make faces that express these feelings. Share your day as well.
- [Favorite Part of Day](https://gift-connect.org/favorite-part-of-day/) - In the evening, ask your child what their favorite part of the day was. Make sure you follow up with questions. “Why did you like that? Was it more fun than the last time you did that? Why?” You can make this a regular part of your day!
- [Face Pointing](https://gift-connect.org/face-pointing/) - In a calm moment together, take the time to look at your child’s face. Point to their nose and say, “your nose.” Then point to your nose and say, “my nose.” Respond to what they do. Do they point too? Do they smile or repeat your words or sounds? Try this with different parts of
- [Sing to Soothe](https://gift-connect.org/sing-to-soothe/) - When your child seems fussy, try singing a rhyme or a song. Do they calm down when your voice is quiet, or do they respond to big facial expressions and an enthusiastic voice? Try different rhymes and songs to find their favorites.
- [Name Conversation](https://gift-connect.org/name-conversation/) - You can talk to your child about anything! Use their name as you make eye contact and chat. Your attention is like a hug from the inside that helps them feel focused, calm, and settled. Pay attention to what is happening around them and talk about it.
- [Apple Seed Guessing](https://gift-connect.org/apple-seed-guessing/) - Cut an apple and ask your child to guess how many seeds they think will be inside. Or how many pieces of orange there will be after you peel it. Count the seeds or segments together and compare that number with their guess. What other foods can you use for this game?
- [Create an Instrument](https://gift-connect.org/create-an-instrument/) - Let your child create an instrument using a plastic container with measuring spoons or keys inside. Clap a rhythm or tap your toes. Ask them to try and copy your beat with their homemade instrument. Then, have them take a turn at leading and you follow their beat.
- [Cook Together](https://gift-connect.org/cook-together/) - Have your child help with safe and simple tasks while you are cooking. Mixing or adding an ingredient can be good places to start. As you work, ask them what they think will happen when they stir things together or add something new. Listen to their ideas, then talk together about what you see happening.
- [Body Part Washing Game](https://gift-connect.org/body-part-washing-game/) - Get silly while getting clean! Tell your child, “Let’s wash your hands!” but start washing their feet. What do they do? Then say: “Oh! Those are your feet! Where are your hands?” As they get older, have them lead, using other parts of their body like elbows, wrists, and ankles.
- [Hand-washing Game](https://gift-connect.org/hand-washing-game/) - Let your child be your partner as you wash up before a meal. Say, “It’s time to wash our hands, yours and mine.” Put soap on both your hands and lather up. Be silly as you dry your hands off together. Do you shake dry? Toss the towel back and forth? Make a hand jumble?
- [Hand-washing Time](https://gift-connect.org/hand-washing-time/) - Hand-washing time? Tell your child, “This is the HOT water (point to the faucet); this is the COLD water. Together they make warm water! This is the soap. Soap and water make BUBBLES that clean our hands. Now, let’s rinse off the bubbles. Can you help me dry my hands with this towel?”
- [Dream Land](https://gift-connect.org/dream-land/) - At bedtime, ask your child: “What do you want to dream about tonight? Do you want to dream you're going to a far-away place? Or doing something special?” Encourage them to tell you as many details as they can imagine. Then share a Dream Story of your own.
- [Share a Memory](https://gift-connect.org/share-a-memory/) - Share a favorite family moment with your child. Say something like, “Remember the first time you tried the slide at the playground?” Talk about the memory and ask them how it felt and what they were thinking. You might be surprised at what they remember!
- [The Waiting Game](https://gift-connect.org/the-waiting-game-2/) - Waiting for a parent to finish a meeting or task can be hard. Help your child come up with strategies for waiting. Say something like, “Think of as many red things as you can.” Or, “How many words can you come up with that start with the letter G?”
- [Belly Breathing](https://gift-connect.org/belly-breathing/) - Help your child learn to breathe deeply when feeling upset. Have them close their eyes and put their hand on their belly to feel it go out when they breathe in. When breathing out, their belly moves in. Remind them to use Belly Breathing to help them calm down.
- [Calm Down Kit](https://gift-connect.org/calm-down-kit/) - Use an empty shoebox or other container to make a "Calm Down Kit" with your child. Have your child put special items inside that help them feel secure and relaxed. When they are feeling upset, remind them to use their kit. They even can decorate the box to make it their own.
- [Alleviating Stress](https://gift-connect.org/alleviating-stress/) - During a calm moment, invite your child to think of ideas to help when they feel stressed. They can try using words to explain feelings, hitting something that can’t be hurt, or counting numbers. See what works and brainstorm new ideas.
- [How was your day](https://gift-connect.org/how-was-your-day/) - Ask your child to talk about their day using feeling words like happy, excited, and sad. Try questions like, “Was there a time when you felt frustrated today?” Ask them to make faces that express these feelings. Share your day as well.
- [Getting Dressed](https://gift-connect.org/getting-dressed/) - Ask your child to make choices about what they want to wear. Give options like, “Do you want to wear the white socks or the black socks?” Be silly and ask, “Will you wear them on your head? No!” Encourage them to try getting dressed on their own and praise how hard they're working.
- [Change-up Routine](https://gift-connect.org/change-up-routine/) - Is it hard for your child to change gears? Moving from one task to another can be a challenge. Work together to come up with a special routine. For example, each time you move from reading-time to another task, you can give each other a kiss, a hug, and a high five. Before you know
- [Peekaboo](https://gift-connect.org/peekaboo/) - How many ways can you play "Peekaboo"? You can hide your eyes behind your hand, or use a hat, a napkin, or whatever is handy and then say “Peekaboo!” Help your child take a turn. What can they hide behind? Saying “I see you!” when one of you stops hiding should make you both laugh.
- [Snuggling](https://gift-connect.org/snuggling/) - Your child loves snuggling and hearing your voice. Get close and cuddle with them while sharing a story or song. Use a calm, quiet, and soothing voice to help them fall asleep quickly. This can become a nightly routine that lets them know it is time for bed.
- [Experience Singing](https://gift-connect.org/experience-singing/) - 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?
- [Exercise Together](https://gift-connect.org/exercise-together/) - 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?
- [Celebrate](https://gift-connect.org/celebrate/) - When your child begins to crawl, pull up, and eventually walk, celebrate their efforts with positive actions and words. Say things like: “You did it!,” You used your hands to reach your toy!” or “You're working so hard to move your body!” Make sure to clap and smile!
- [Silent Conversation](https://gift-connect.org/silent-conversation/) - During a quiet moment, sit or lay down near your child face-to-face and be silent for a few seconds. Watch them. Do they look at you? If they make sounds or smile, make sounds or smile back. There is so much you can say to each other with no words at all!
- [Nature Check List](https://gift-connect.org/nature-check-list/) - Before you go out, make a list with your child of natural things to collect as you go, like leaves or stones. When you get back, see if they can count how many of each item they found. Talk together about what you notice. What’s the same and what’s different about them?
- [Bath Time Conversations](https://gift-connect.org/bath-time-conversations/) - Encourage your child to learn by playing with safe objects in the bath. Do you have a washcloth and a plastic cup? They can explore different ways they each hold water. Ask questions, like: "What happens when the washcloth gets wet? What happens when you squeeze it? Can you squeeze water out of a cup?"
- [Counting Sounds](https://gift-connect.org/counting-sounds/) - Take a few minutes with your child to stop and listen. Ask them what they hear. Does it sound like anything else they know? Have them guess what you hear. Together count how many different sounds you each hear and figure out what they are. How many can you guess?
- [Float or Sink](https://gift-connect.org/float-or-sink/) - Are you near water? Even a big puddle works. Grab some rocks, sticks, or leaves and toss them in one at a time. Do they float or sink? Talk back and forth about how things like shapes or size may make a difference. Keep trying new things and test your ideas. What other experiments can
- [The Snack Game](https://gift-connect.org/the-snack-game/) - Give your child three different snacks. Talk about what’s the same and what’s different. Ask them if they can group one type of snack together (like all the fruit). Then ask if they can find another way to sort the snacks, like by size, shape, or color.
- [Painting Nature](https://gift-connect.org/painting-nature/) - Going for a walk? Grab a paint brush, put a little water in an empty container, and take a color walk outdoors! Paint the flowers, leaves, or other colorful things as you go. Talk with your child about what they see. Enjoy the textures, colors, and shapes in your world and share your own joy
- [Spice Chat](https://gift-connect.org/spice-chat/) - While working in the kitchen, open up different spices. Smell the differences and even touch them with your child. You can describe these smells (using dramatic words) and talk back and forth with them about some of the foods that you eat with them.
- [Unloading Groceries](https://gift-connect.org/unloading-groceries/) - After shopping, invite your child to help take items out of the bags. Give them some small, safe items to put away, giving hints for where things go, like, “Are there other cans in the cupboard that look like this one?” or “An apple is a fruit. Where do we keep the other fruit?”
- [Sock Chat](https://gift-connect.org/sock-chat/) - Have your child help sort socks and find pairs when you're doing laundry. While they do it, you can chat about which socks go together and why. Are they the same color, pattern, or size? Help them hold the socks next to their feet, then your feet, and talk about the differences. Who has big
- [Express Feelings](https://gift-connect.org/express-feelings/) - 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.
- [Ask Questions](https://gift-connect.org/ask-questions/) - 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"?
- [Shake the Bottle](https://gift-connect.org/shake-the-bottle/) - 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?”
- [Object Hide and Seek](https://gift-connect.org/object-hide-and-seek/) - 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
- [Radio Dancing](https://gift-connect.org/radio-dancing/) - Set your radio to a music station and have your child turn it off and on. Every time they turn it on, start to dance—or move around—and say “on.” When they turn it off, stop moving and say “off.” Soon they will probably say “off” and “on” with you.
- [The Spoon is Falling](https://gift-connect.org/the-spoon-is-falling/) - 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.
- [Shake, Bang, Roll](https://gift-connect.org/shake-bang-roll/) - 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.”
- [Look in the Mirror](https://gift-connect.org/look-in-the-mirror/) - Do you have a mirror in your house? Hold your child and move in and out of the mirror, saying “Hello!” when you look in the mirror together and “Goodbye!” when you move away. Go fast and slow. Do they wave in the mirror or ask for more? Follow their cues.
- [Exploring Safe Objects](https://gift-connect.org/exploring-safe-objects/) - 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.
- [Kicking Game](https://gift-connect.org/kicking-game/) - 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?
- [Rock-Leaf Pattern](https://gift-connect.org/rock-leaf-pattern/) - Have your child collect items like rocks and leaves. Arrange them in a pattern such as one rock, two leaves, one rock, two leaves. Then mix them up and ask your child to recreate your pattern. Can they remember the order? Have them take a turn making a simple pattern for you to remember.
- [The Size Game](https://gift-connect.org/the-size-game/) - 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.
- [Grocery Cart Sort](https://gift-connect.org/grocery-cart-sort/) - 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?
- [Find the Opposites](https://gift-connect.org/find-the-opposites/) - When you’re waiting somewhere, ask your child to play "Find the Opposites" with you. You call out something big and they respond with the opposite, something small. Start with easy comparisons, like big and small, high and low, or near and far.
- [Guessing Game](https://gift-connect.org/guessing-game-2/) - Anytime you’re waiting in line, ask your child to guess how long until it’s your turn. How many numbers can you count? Or how many times will you sing a favorite song? Take turns inventing new "Waiting Games."
- [Color Count](https://gift-connect.org/color-count/) - Challenge your child to find as many things as they can that are blue. Get creative by limiting the game to a specific time (three minutes or so) or place (the grocery store.) Have them count how many they find. Switch it up by looking for letters or objects instead.
- [Chore Conversations](https://gift-connect.org/chore-conversations/) - 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!
- [Bath Time Counting](https://gift-connect.org/bath-time-counting/) - Think of all the things you can count together at bathtime! Toes, of course, but what about the number of times you pour water on your child? Let your child think of things to count too. Take turns counting and talk about what you're doing.
- ["Which is Heavier?"](https://gift-connect.org/which-is-heavier/) - A store can be a great place to build your child's brain on the go. Give them something like a banana and an apple to hold. “Which is heavier? Which is larger? Which is softer?” You can do this with any items, in any aisle, in any store!
- [Word Pattern](https://gift-connect.org/word-pattern/) - Pick three food words such as “banana, apple, pear” to make a word pattern. Repeat with your child three times. Have them pick three food words and make a pattern three times: “fork, spoon, plate.” Talk about what word comes first, second, and third.
- [The Shape Game](https://gift-connect.org/the-shape-game/) - While waiting, draw a shape (like a circle or a wiggly line), using your fingertip on your child’s open palm. Can they name it? Repeat the same shape until they can guess what it is. Take turns back and forth, drawing and guessing shapes.
- [Clean Up Sort](https://gift-connect.org/clean-up-sort/) - Encourage your child to sort objects during cleanup. Talk about what you're doing: “All of the small lids go in the little bowl and the big lids go in the big bowl.” Then mix it up and ask them to put the small objects in the big bowl. You can also sort by shape or
- ["Big Time"](https://gift-connect.org/big-time/) - Play "Big Time" to make waiting time fly by. Hold up an object—a magazine, an item from a bag, or a toy. Ask your child, “Can you find something bigger than this?” After they do, then ask, “Can you find something smaller than this?”
- [Point to Different Things](https://gift-connect.org/point-to-different-things/) - Being out and about is a great time to be on the lookout for what’s around. As you go, point out what you see. Do you see birds, trees, leaves, people? Ask your child, “How many do you see?” Take turns pointing to different things all over!
- [Find the Matching Sock](https://gift-connect.org/find-the-matching-sock/) - During laundry time, pull out a single sock and see if your child can find a match for it in the laundry basket. Once they get it, let them pull out another sock and you find the match. Talk about the clues you use to find the match.
- [Open and Close Game](https://gift-connect.org/open-and-close-game/) - Working in the kitchen? Give your child some safe plastic containers to open and close. Say “open” and “close” as they play. Show them how to take things, like spoons, in and out of the containers. Say “in” and “out.” Make sure to talk to them about what they're doing.
- [Teeth Time](https://gift-connect.org/teeth-time/) - When you’re brushing your child’s teeth, look in the mirror together. Talk about how your teeth are the same and different from theirs. For example, you have more teeth, and bigger teeth, but you both can make funny faces. Follow their lead and talk about what they notice.
- [Guess That Place](https://gift-connect.org/guess-that-place/) - Describe a place in your home to your child. You can say something like: “I am in a room with a table, a stove, and a refrigerator. Where am I? That’s right, the kitchen!” Provide as many or as few clues as they need. Then give them a turn to give you clues so you
- [Pick a Number](https://gift-connect.org/pick-a-number/) - Think of a number and see if your child can guess it based on your clues. Say something like, “My number is bigger than four and smaller than six." Or "It is the number of fingers on my hand." Make it harder by adding or taking away numbers. “My number is two more than the
- [Kitchen Organizing](https://gift-connect.org/kitchen-organizing/) - Ask your child to help you in the kitchen. Let them organize a shelf and find their own way to group things. If they need help, its OK to suggest things like "boxes here and cans there." Or they could put crunchy food like cereal and crackers together. You can even give them a towel
- [One-Arm Dinner](https://gift-connect.org/one-arm-dinner/) - Try to prepare dinner in a new way. Ask your child, “What if we only used one arm to make dinner tonight?” See what you can do easily and what’s really hard. Share ideas back and forth about how you manage with only one arm. Then try, “What if you use your right arm and
- [Guessing Game](https://gift-connect.org/guessing-game/) - When shopping, call out something you’re looking for on a shelf and have your child help you find it. Give them a clue: "It's in a red box." Can you do five in a row before you reach the end of the aisle?
- [Negative-Positive Talk](https://gift-connect.org/negative-positive-talk/) - Practice saying things in new ways with your child. Take turns saying something negative, then try to talk about the same thing positively. For example, “I don’t like loud noises” can become “I like quiet sounds.”
- [Silly Handshake](https://gift-connect.org/silly-handshake/) - Invent a super silly handshake for you and your child. Take turns adding a step (like shaking twice). Repeat it until you both have it down. Now change one of the steps. How do they respond? Go back and forth between the new and old way.
- [The Color Game](https://gift-connect.org/the-color-game/) - 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.
- [School Day Challenge](https://gift-connect.org/school-day-challenge/) - Do you and your child have a daily challenge, like getting ready for school? Have them practice that challenge during playtime. You can say: “Let’s pretend we’re getting ready to go to school. What should we do first?” Talk about the steps if they need help remembering. “We eat our breakfast, pack our lunch, brush
- [Cook Together](https://gift-connect.org/clean-up-together/) - Keep your child engaged in dinner prep. Take turns measuring, pouring, and mixing. If they might spill, put the bowl in the sink so spilling is okay. Talk to them about what you're doing and the ingredients you're using. Encourage them to smell, touch (and taste!) as you go. Ask them what they notice.
- [Put Away Groceries Together](https://gift-connect.org/put-away-groceries-together/) - As you put groceries away, involve your child by saying something like, “The frozen food goes on the shelf,” or “I’m putting the paper towels in the refrigerator.” Do they catch your “mistake?” Encourage them to share with you their thinking: Where should those items go and why? Then let them take a turn trying
- [Special Helper](https://gift-connect.org/special-helper/) - Invite your child to be the cleanup helper by giving them special jobs they can do. You can say, “Please help me find what needs to be washed in a washing machine.” Or “Can you help wipe down the table or sweep up the crumbs on the floor?”
- [Describing Food](https://gift-connect.org/describing-food/) - Take turns with your child coming up with words that describe what they're eating. If they have a carrot ask, “What does it look like?” They might say, “orange,” and you might say, “pointy.” Keep the conversation going with questions like, “What does it feel, smell, and taste like?" or "What does it sound like
- [Sort Socks](https://gift-connect.org/sort-socks/) - Sorting the laundry? Encourage your child to help you find all of the socks and make a pile of them. Pick a sock and pretend it is a puppet looking for its matching friend. Celebrate when you find a match. Then let them take a turn as the puppet.
- [Help with Chores](https://gift-connect.org/help-with-chores/) - Include your child in common chores. For example, start with, “It’s time to sweep! Can you hold the dustpan for me?” Then, let them dump the dirt into the trash. Don’t be surprised when they ask you to hold the dustpan for them. Go back and forth. Taking turns is how they learn best and
- [The Fix It Game](https://gift-connect.org/the-fix-it-game/) - Pretend to fix things with your child. With a plastic spoon, pretend to fix a hinge on a kitchen cabinet. “I’m fixing this broken hinge on the cabinet door. Now it’s your turn.” After their turn, hold out your hand saying, “My turn!” Keep taking turns, smiling while you work.
- [Laundry Sort](https://gift-connect.org/laundry-sort/) - While you’re doing laundry, ask your child to help. Invite them to sort clothes into piles of dark and light colors.
- [Same Game](https://gift-connect.org/same-game/) - Tell your child about a favorite food. Ask them to name a food they like that’s in the same category, like fruit, but different. Keep count of how many different things you both like in the same category. Play the same game with something else, like clothes!
- [Silly Faces](https://gift-connect.org/silly-faces/) - Make a silly face and ask your child to make it too. Then ask them to make a sillier one for you to copy. Then take turns back and forth and see who can be the silliest.
- [Stomp Dance](https://gift-connect.org/stomp-dance/) - Sing, or turn on music, and dance with your child! See if they can copy what you do with your feet. Try stomping one foot three times. What do they do? Copy their moves and build on them by adding a jump or going on tiptoe. Do they do it too? Keep the dance going!
- [Utensil Play](https://gift-connect.org/utensil-play/) - While washing dishes, give your child a spoon to hold. Say, “You have a spoon!” Then hold your hand open and say, “My turn!” See if they will hand the spoon back to you. If they do, say, “Thank you!” If they don't, give them another utensil and see if you can trade them back-and-forth.
- [Bubble Trouble](https://gift-connect.org/bubble-trouble/) - While cleaning up, give your child a soapy sponge and a large container with a little water so they can help wash safe kitchen items. Scrub up lots of bubbles together. When you're ready say, “Bye-bye bubbles!” and show them how to rinse the bubbles away. Encourage them to try it.
- [Create a Goodbye Ritual](https://gift-connect.org/create-a-goodbye-ritual/) - Before you leave or drop your child off somewhere, share a favorite, fun or special “See you later” saying. Create a new goodbye ritual. Tell them that after it’s finished, it will be time for you to leave. Reassure them you will see them later.
- [Dance Off](https://gift-connect.org/dance-off-2/) - Put on a song both of you like and watch your child move. As they dance, copy what they're doing. When they stop, you dance around and let them watch you. See if you can create a back and forth dance, taking turns copying each other.
- ["Where Is It?"](https://gift-connect.org/where-is-it/) - 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
- [Turn Cleaning into a Game](https://gift-connect.org/turn-cleaning-into-a-game/) - Turn cleaning into a game. Give your child a clean, almost-dry sponge and ask them to help you wipe off a surface you’re cleaning. Ask them to wipe it clean in long lines from top to bottom. Then try making a zigzag. Then circles. See what they think of too!
- [Dance Together](https://gift-connect.org/dance-together/) - Play, sing, or hum a slow song and hold your child while you dance together. How do they respond to the feeling of dancing? What about the sound of the music? Respond to what they do. Laugh if they laugh! Enjoy this special moment.
- [What Will Happen Next?](https://gift-connect.org/what-will-happen-next/) - When feeding your baby, talk about what they're doing and why you think they're doing it. "You're drinking your milk because you're so hungry!" Talk about what will happen next. "After your tummy is full of milk, you'll be sleepy and it will be time for your nap."
- [Cleaning Song](https://gift-connect.org/cleaning-song/) - Cleanup time can be a learning time if you sing about it with your child. “This is the way, we clean the house, so early in the morning.” If they respond with sounds, use them in your song. “(Your child's name) says, ba, ba, ba, so early in the morning.”
- [Eye Conversation](https://gift-connect.org/eye-conversation/) - Take a few minutes and look into your child’s eyes. As they look back, smile and talk with them. Do what they do. If they blink, you blink. If they look left, you look left. Let them see your eyes too, and have fun keeping eye contact.
- [Babbling Conversations](https://gift-connect.org/babbling-conversations/) - Don’t be afraid to babble. When your child starts to make noises, treat it like a real conversation and mimic the sounds right back. See how many times you can go back and forth!
- [Tap Along to the Beat](https://gift-connect.org/tap-along-to-the-beat/) - When your child is on their back, gently pat their tummy. Sing a favorite song and tap along to the beat on your baby’s tummy. Try patting fast and slow. Do they smile or kick? Keep going as long as they seem to be having fun.
- [Babble with B](https://gift-connect.org/babble-with-b/) - Is your child starting to babble? Use bathtime as an opportunity to babble about the letter B. If they say, “ba,” you can say, “Baby takes a bath with bubbles! Ba-ba-ba!” If they respond with more babbles, copy them right back! What other words can you make from their babbling sounds?
- [Do You Feel the Wind?](https://gift-connect.org/do-you-feel-the-wind/) - Gently blow on your child’s face and hair. Ask them, “Do you feel the wind?” Notice if they seem to like the sensation. If so, blow with long and short breaths. Make your pauses in between long and short, too. How long can you and your baby play?
- [Picture Talk](https://gift-connect.org/picture-talk/) - Do you have some books or magazines around? Show your child the pictures. They will like clear simple pictures, especially of faces. Talk with them about what you see. How do they respond? Now talk about their response!
- [Body Shape with Letters](https://gift-connect.org/body-shape-with-letters/) - Go through the ABCs with your child and make the shape of each letter with your bodies. How would you make the letter A? Make a triangle with your arms above your head and your legs standing wide. Can your child make the letter B with their body? Take turns making the other letters!
- [The Floor is Lava](https://gift-connect.org/the-floor-is-lava/) - Ask your child to create a path to get from one side of a room to the other without touching the ground. Use pillows, newspaper, or whatever is handy. Make it harder by seeing how far or fast they can go. Or limit what they can use to make the path to make it more
- [Pretend Catch](https://gift-connect.org/pretend-catch/) - Ask your child to play a game of pretend catch. Imagine you’re holding a ball and throw it to them. Encourage them to throw it back to you. Try making the ball bigger or smaller. Talk with them about what you’re doing: “I’m going to throw it fast! Get ready!”
- [Spoon Race](https://gift-connect.org/spoon-race/) - With your child, place something round—like a ball or stone—in a big spoon. Can they walk across the room holding the spoon without dropping the object? Talk back and forth about how they keep the ball from falling. Come up with new ways of moving, like on tiptoes. See what happens.
- [Climb, Crawl, and Roll](https://gift-connect.org/climb-crawl-and-roll/) - 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?
- [Who can Throw the Farthest?](https://gift-connect.org/who-can-throw-the-farthest/) - Does your child love to throw things? Set up an experiment together. Get different safe things for them to throw, like a scarf, rolled up socks, a paper cup, etc. Which one can they throw the farthest? Talk about what they notice.
- [Move in Different Ways](https://gift-connect.org/move-in-different-ways/) - Challenge your child to move as slowly as possible to get somewhere, like to a nearby tree. How slowly can you both move? Try different ways to move, like by hopping or jumping.
- [Create a Dance Routine](https://gift-connect.org/create-a-dance-routine/) - Let your child pick a fun, fast song to dance to. Take turns making up dance moves. They can start, then you copy them. Keep going back and forth as you both repeat the moves and add new one. Before you know it you will have a whole dance routine!
- [Follow the Leader](https://gift-connect.org/follow-the-leader/) - Walking somewhere? Turn your trip into "Follow the Leader." Ask your child, “Can you do what I do?” while you pat your head. Then switch it up. If you pat your head, have them pat their stomach. Keep switching!
- [Copy Play](https://gift-connect.org/copy-play/) - Ask your child, “Can you do what I do?” Walk forward or backward, bend down, or reach up high. Talk with them about what you’re doing like, “Touch your toes and touch the sky!” Then give them a turn to lead. Change the game and see if they can do the opposite of what you
- [Freeze Play](https://gift-connect.org/freeze-play/) - Ask your child to pretend to be a statue and freeze in a pose, like standing on one foot. Try to have them hold this pose as long as possible while you do everything you can to make them laugh and move. Then you can take a turn as the statue and see if they
- [Imaginary Play](https://gift-connect.org/imaginary-play/) - Does your child like to pretend? Tell them there is an imaginary flower growing on their nose. Describe what it looks like. Then pretend to grab it! Now say there is a flower on their ear and grab it too. Have them describe and grab the flowers on you and enjoy the joke.
- [Hand Song](https://gift-connect.org/hand-song/) - Use hand actions for your favorite rhyme or song, or make up your own. Face your child and hold their hands so they mirror you. Vary your tone of voice from high to low and use a big, expressive way of speaking or singing.
- [Copy Dance Moves](https://gift-connect.org/copy-dance-moves/) - Let your child pick a fun, fast song to dance to. Ask them to make a dance move and then copy what they do. Take turns going back and forth copying each other’s dance moves.
- [Fast-Slow Race](https://gift-connect.org/fast-slow-race/) - Invite your child to have a "Fast-Slow Race." Find a starting line and count out loud together, “one, two, three!”, then go! As you get going, call out “slow!” Can they adjust their speed? Give them a turn calling out “fast” or “slow.” How fast can you go? How slow?
- [Explore an Object](https://gift-connect.org/explore-an-object/) - Ask your child to find an object like a stick or rock and place it on the ground near you. Encourage them to explore different ways of moving over it: Can they jump? Hop over on just one foot? Run and then jump? Take turns jumping with them and talk together about how far you
- [Try New Things](https://gift-connect.org/try-new-things/) - When they are playing, help your child do things they haven’t done before. Try out the swings or the slide at a playground, or even feel the different textures on the ground. As long as they're safe, let them try new things, with a helping hand if they need it. How do they respond? Celebrate
- [The Waiting Game](https://gift-connect.org/the-waiting-game/) - Make your waiting time fun! Ask your child, “Can you do this?” and hold your hands up very high and say, “Reach for the Sky!” Invite them to copy you. Next, put your hands behind your back and see if they copy you. Then take a turn and copy them.
- [Pretend Game](https://gift-connect.org/pretend-game/) - Is your child beginning to pretend? Then you can play the "Good Morning, Good Night" game! When you say, “Good night,” they can pretend to sleep by lying down and closing their eyes, and when you say, “Good morning,” they can get up and dance!
- [Hug Time](https://gift-connect.org/hug-time/) - When it’s time for a hug, ask your child if they want a big hug or a little hug and then do what they ask. Then you take a turn and say whether you want a big or little hug. You can add other words, like a wiggly hug or a quiet hug.
- [Dance Off](https://gift-connect.org/dance-off/) - Put on a song both of you like and watch your child move. As they dance, copy what they're doing. When they stop, you dance around and let them watch you. See if you can create a back and forth dance, taking turns copying each other.
- [Musical Music](https://gift-connect.org/musical-music/) - Set your radio to a music station and have your child turn it off and on. Every time they turn it on, start to dance—or move around—and say “on.” When they turn it off, stop moving and say “off.” Soon they will probably say “off” and “on” with you.
- [Boogie Oogie Oogie](https://gift-connect.org/boogie-oogie-oogie/) - Your child may not be walking or talking yet, but with your help they can definitely boogie. So turn on some music and hold them as you dance around. When you sit down together, shake your arms to the music and see if they can do the same!
- [Bounce n' Play](https://gift-connect.org/bounce-n-play/) - Does your baby love to bounce when you hold them on your lap? Bounce them up and down. Try going fast and slow as well as stopping and starting. How do they respond? Follow their lead and respond to their sounds and movements. Continue doing what they like best.
- [Reach and Play](https://gift-connect.org/reach-and-play/) - Encourage your child to move and stretch. Put them on their tummy on a blanket on the floor and place a soft, safe object in front of them saying, “Here’s your soft bear!” Put it down just out of their reach. Talk about their efforts: “You’re working so hard to reach your toy!”
- [Changing Table Play](https://gift-connect.org/changing-table-play/) - After changing your child’s diaper, roll their body from side to side on the changing surface. Stop and ask them, “Do you want more?” See how they respond. You can nod your head, saying, “You said yes, you want more!” or you can shake your head, saying, “You said no, you’re all done.”
- [Different Points of View](https://gift-connect.org/different-points-of-view/) - Show your child the world from different points of view. When they're in your arms, crouch down low or gently lift them up in the air. Describe what you’re doing and respond to their reactions. “You’re as high as the light! Look what you can see up here!”
- [Laundry Play](https://gift-connect.org/laundry-play/) - Laundry day can be a great time for brain-building! Give your child some tummy time on different fabrics, like a sweater or a fluffy towel. Describe the textures to them like, "Do you feel the scratchy sweater?" Watch how they react to the way it feels and talk with them about it. Children learn through
- [Meal Planning](https://gift-connect.org/meal-planning/) - Involve your child in meal planning. Ask them to choose how to organize the meal. Can they do it by color or family favorites? For example, they could ask family members which dish is their favorite. Then help your child draw or write a menu based on everyone’s picks.
- [Begin Every Word with a Specific Letter](https://gift-connect.org/begin-every-word-with-a-specific-letter/) - Use a letter, like B, to begin every word you say. Instead of “Hello, how are you?” say, “Bello, bow bar boo?” Encourage your child to use the same letter to begin the words of their response: “I am fine, how are you?” would become “Bye bam bine, bow bar boo?” How long can you
- [The Spelling Game](https://gift-connect.org/the-spelling-game/) - Is your child curious about spelling? Take turns going back and forth spelling a simple word like "cat." You say "C," they say "A," and you say "T." Add a twist and help them spell the word backward with you!
- [The Letter Game](https://gift-connect.org/the-letter-game-2/) - Start this game by choosing a letter. See if you and your child can think of a sentence that uses as many words as possible that begin with that letter. If you chose the letter M you might say, "My mother made meatballs." What other M words can you both come up with?
- [Word of the Day](https://gift-connect.org/word-of-the-day/) - Come up with a word of the day, like “play.” As you and your child go through your day, point out moments or things you see that remind you of the word of the day. You might say, “Look, those dogs are playing!” Encourage them to find their own examples of the word of the
- [The License Plate Game](https://gift-connect.org/the-license-plate-game/) - Have your child look for letters or numbers in a specific order on signs and license plates. You can say, “Can you find a one and a two next to each other?” or “Can you find an A and an E next to each other?” Take turns and see who can find the most.
- [The To-Do List Game](https://gift-connect.org/the-to-do-list-game/) - When you’re out running errands, put your child in charge of the list. Have them help list out a few things you both have to do that day. When you finish each task, cross it off the list together!
- [The Letter Game](https://gift-connect.org/the-letter-game/) - Pick a letter with your child and try to find it everywhere you go. Take turns calling it out when you see it. If they see an apple for the letter A, then you have to find something next. See how many things you can find. Four? Ten? More?
- [The Wheel Game](https://gift-connect.org/the-wheel-game/) - Encourage your child to point out the different kinds of wheels they see. Talk with them about what you both notice. Do they see big wheels on a truck or thin wheels on a bike? What else can they think of that has wheels?
- [The Sound Game](https://gift-connect.org/the-sound-game/) - When you’re out with your child, talk about sounds. When you hear a sound, tell them what you hear and chat about where you think it is. “I hear a bird and I think it is in that tree.” Ask what they hear, and where they think the sound is coming from. Take turns being
- [The Truck Game](https://gift-connect.org/the-truck-game/) - When you're out for a walk or drive, point out all the different trucks for your child. See if they can guess what's inside by the pictures on the outside of the truck. Try to imagine together where the contents come from. Do the veggies come from a farm? Or the fish from the sea?
- [Letter Shapes](https://gift-connect.org/letter-shapes/) - Encourage your child to point out letters on signs. Chat about the shapes of the letters. Is the letter A pointy like a triangle? What about the letter O? How many letters of the alphabet can you find? Enjoy describing their Letter Shapes.
- [Shopping Line Game](https://gift-connect.org/shopping-line-game/) - Waiting in line at the store is a great chance to be a brain builder. Point to a picture on a magazine and ask your child, “How do you think that man feels?” You can also look for different letters like, “Look, here’s a B just like in your name. It says ‘baseball’ on the
- [Shopping Game](https://gift-connect.org/shopping-game/) - Shopping? Give your child a copy of your shopping list or a few of the store’s coupons, talking back and forth about what they're looking at. Point to a word or picture on your list or on a coupon and say, “Look, we need bananas. Let’s go find some together!”
- [Repeating Patterns](https://gift-connect.org/repeating-patterns/) - Take turns with your child making sound patterns. For example, say, “Coo, coo, ca, coo.” Ask them to repeat your sounds. Then ask them to come up with a new pattern, and you repeat it. See if you can make the patterns harder by going faster or adding more sounds.
- [Picture Detective](https://gift-connect.org/picture-detective/) - Encourage your child to be a picture detective. Look at a picture in a book or magazine. It can even be in a newspaper or in an ad on a bus or train. Talk about the picture together. Can you find certain objects? Ask questions like, “Look at that boy’s face. How do you think
- [Silly Speech](https://gift-connect.org/silly-speech/) - 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
- [Treasure Box Adventure](https://gift-connect.org/treasure-box-adventure/) - Give your child a small box and tell them it’s a "Treasure Box," made to keep very special things. With their help write their name on top of the box. Talk back and forth about things they might keep inside. Store it in a place they can reach so they can use it.
- [Meal Time Conversations](https://gift-connect.org/meal-time-conversations/) - At mealtime, put a message next to your child’s plate. It may be a picture you tear out of a magazine, a quick note, or a drawing. As you sit down to eat, invite them to share the message. Take turns talking about the colors, letters, and pictures you both see.
- [Fruit Conversations](https://gift-connect.org/fruit-conversations/) - Offer your child a whole fruit or vegetable, like an apple. Ask questions about what the apple looks like, feels like, and smells like before cutting it. After you cut it, talk about what you both notice. What does it look like, smell like, and feel like now? Does it always taste the same?
- [Shopping List Conversation](https://gift-connect.org/shopping-list-conversation/) - Writing a shopping list? Talk with your child about what you need. Read outloud what you write down: “Milk, eggs, cereal.” Invite them to write or draw on the list too and to tell you what they're thinking about when they make those marks on the paper.
- [Grocery Shopping Conversation](https://gift-connect.org/grocery-shopping-conversation/) - When shopping with your child, point out what you see. Use lots of different words to talk about the taste of different foods. Maybe you could say, “There are some juicy, sweet oranges,” or “I bet those yellow lemons are sour!” Follow their lead and talk about what they point and look at.
- [Bath Time Story](https://gift-connect.org/bath-time-story/) - Make up a story about someone who takes a bath just like your child. You can say things like, “First, they washed their hair,” while you wash their hair. Then add twist by saying, “Then they splashed in the water,” and see if they splash too.
- [Talk About What You See](https://gift-connect.org/talk-about-what-you-see/) - While you’re with your child watch what catches their eye. Point to things you see and say what they are. “There’s a black bird and he’s flying!” or “The little girl is jumping.” Watch where they're looking and say what it is.
- [Picture Conversations](https://gift-connect.org/picture-conversations/) - Share a picture in a book, magazine, or news article with your child. Be sure to point at what you’re looking at and chat about it. For example, “Look at the blue shirt the lady is wearing—I have one too!” Or, “This is a picture of diapers, like the ones you wear.” Let them pick the next
- [Using words IN and OUT](https://gift-connect.org/using-words-in-and-out/) - Invite your child to help you gather dirty clothes. Put them IN the laundry basket, pull them OUT. Then put them IN the machine, and pull them OUT. Use the words IN and OUT to describe your actions and see how they learn these ideas!
- [Describe foods you eat](https://gift-connect.org/describe-foods-you-eat/) - What are all of the words you can use to describe the food your child is eating? Is the banana mushy, squishy, or slippery? Are the eggs warm, crumbly, and soft? Point as you say the words and watch them respond and reply back to them.
- [How to Stay Engaged with GIFT CONNECT: Exploring the Birth to Three Movement](https://gift-connect.org/how-to-stay-engaged-with-gift-connect-exploring-the-birth-to-three-movement/) - How have you engaged with your little one(s) this past year? What would you do the same or different? Let today be the day you start exploring the power of the Birth to Three Movement and GIFT CONNECT’s mission. It can truly play an instrumental role in your child’s development. How to Learn More about
- [GIFT CONNECT’s Vision for a Literate Future: Celebrating International Literacy Day](https://gift-connect.org/gift-connects-vision-for-a-literate-future-celebrating-international-literacy-day/) - Did you know there is a day that celebrates the importance of literacy? September 8th marks International Literacy Day, founded by UNESCO. This idea was brought forward at the “World Conference of Ministers of Education on the Eradication of Illiteracy” in Tehran, Iran, in 1965, to create a global movement to end illiteracy. In 1965,
- [The Power of Play: Unlocking Creativity and Fostering Development from Birth to Three](https://gift-connect.org/the-power-of-play-unlocking-creativity-and-fostering-development-from-birth-to-three/) - From birth to age 3, infants and toddlers experience the most rapid physical, cognitive, and emotional development of their lives. ​​When children play, they constantly explore and learn new things, which helps develop cognitive skills such as problem-solving, creativity, spatial awareness, and imagination. Think about it: when you give a child a stacking toy, it’s
- [Brain Science and the Role of Parents & Caregivers in Early Childhood Development](https://gift-connect.org/brain-science-and-the-role-of-parents-caregivers-in-early-childhood-development/) - Early childhood is a time of profound growth and development, where young minds are shaped in ways that set the stage for a lifetime of learning and cognitive abilities. The brain, often compared to a sponge during this critical period, absorbs an astonishing amount of information. The science is clear: the first three to five
- [The Power of Reading: Empowering Lifelong Learning from Birth to Three](https://gift-connect.org/the-power-of-reading-empowering-lifelong-learning-from-birth-to-three/) - It’s true that the digital era has changed the way we read, but that shouldn’t stop us from reading a good old-fashioned paperback or hardcover book. Reading, especially from Birth to Three, is transformative and crucial. In fact, by the third birthday, a baby needs to be spoken to, sung to, or read to some
- [New in April from Gift Connect: Advocacy & Advisory Board, YouTube Channel, Bee Smart Program, Carnegie Lullaby in Kenya, & More](https://gift-connect.org/new-in-april-from-gift-connect-advocacy-advisory-board-youtube-channel-bee-smart-program-carnegie-lullaby-in-kenya-more/) - Advisory & Advocacy Board GIFT CONNECT’s Advisory and Advocacy Board continues to grow! We are so excited and grateful to welcome the below members. To increase GIFT CONNECT’s reach and measurable impact in Birth to Three and Early Childhood Development (ECD), we are engaging and activating proven, bipartisan ECD leaders on a new, working Advisory
- [New in February from Gift Connect: Advocacy & Advisory Board, New Blog, Bee Smart Lullabies, Global Updates, and more.](https://gift-connect.org/new-in-february-from-gift-connect-advocacy-advisory-board-new-blog-bee-smart-lullabies-global-updates-and-more/) - Advisory & Advocacy Board To increase GIFT CONNECT’s reach and measurable impact in Birth to Three and Early Childhood Development (ECD), we are engaging and activating proven, bipartisan ECD leaders on a new, working Advisory & Advocacy Board (AAB). The AAB will begin with 12+ members and will grow in 2024 to 25+ members. The
- [Celebrating Birth to Three Learning at GIFT CONNECT Music Fest on June 3](https://gift-connect.org/celebrating-birth-to-three-learning-at-gift-connect-music-fest-on-june-3/) - Please join the GIFT CONNECT team for an unforgettable afternoon of music and creativity on June 3, 2024, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Wilmington Public Library in Wilmington, DE. During this event, you’ll listen to soul-soothing music, enjoy some tasty treats, and learn all about the Birth to Three movement. This event is one
- [Bringing the Power of Music to Parents & Caregivers in Delaware](https://gift-connect.org/bringing-the-power-of-music-to-parents-caregivers-in-delaware/) - Building a strong connection with your baby is a fundamental aspect of your child’s growth and development. A close relationship creates a safe and nurturing environment that fosters their emotional well-being and boosts neural connections. The power of a strong bond between a parent and child surpasses any other influence on your baby’s development. This
- [Nurturing Minds and Hearts: The Importance of Loving Habits for Children from Birth to Age Three](https://gift-connect.org/nurturing-minds-and-hearts-the-importance-of-loving-habits-for-children-from-birth-to-age-three/) - The first few years of a child's life are nothing short of miraculous. It's a period filled with rapid growth, exploration, and wonder, and it also lays the foundation for their lifelong development. The importance of speaking, singing, reading, playing, counting, and engaging in serve and return during these first few years of life is
- [Investing in Our Future: Early Childhood Development Funding in the U.S. and Globally](https://gift-connect.org/investing-in-our-future-early-childhood-development-funding-in-the-u-s-and-globally/) - Introduction Early childhood development is essential to creating a thriving society. The experiences and opportunities children receive during their early years have a profound impact on their lifelong well-being and success. This means, funding and investment in early childhood development are essential for ensuring that every child reaches their full potential. At GIFT CONNECT, we
- [New in January from Gift Connect: New Website, Bee Smart Program, and more.](https://gift-connect.org/new-in-january-from-gift-connect-new-website-bee-smart-program-and-more/) - New Year, New Website Happy 2024! We’re starting off the New Year with a brand new website. The updated site features refreshed navigation that simplifies our mission into “Who We Are” and “What We Do” alongside sections on “Resources” and how to “Get Involved.” GIFT CONNECT is also introducing a blog as a new way
- [Point out foods you see](https://gift-connect.org/point-out-foods-you-see/) - As you shop for groceries, point out foods you see. Play with the sounds of words as you show your child the juicy red “toe-may-toes” or the long orange “care-rot.” How do they respond? When they make a sound in response, copy it.
- [Use hand actions with your favorite song](https://gift-connect.org/use-hand-actions-with-your-favorite-song/) - Use hand actions for your favorite rhyme or song, or make up your own. Face your child and hold their hands so they mirror you. Vary your tone of voice from high to low and use a big, expressive way of speaking or singing.
- [Sing simple songs with repetition](https://gift-connect.org/sing-simple-songs-with-repetition/) - 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.
- [Create a Rhyme or a Rap](https://gift-connect.org/create-a-rhyme-or-a-rap/) - During meal or snacktime, create a rhyme or a rap about what your child is eating: “No slice, no dice, we eat rice!” or “You're no rookie, eating your cookie.” They'll enjoy the sound of the words and if they respond, make rhymes from their words too.
- [New in June from Gift Connect: Wasatch Bank Economic Summit, Podcast with Stellar, Lullaby Playlist ](https://gift-connect.org/june-wasatch-bank-economic-summit/) - GIFT CONNECT Founder, Sam Beard, Attends 2023 Zions Bank Wasatch Bank Economic Summit Sam recently traveled to Utah to explore collaboration possibilities and community connections with people and businesses that align with GIFT CONNECT's mission. Sam also sat on a panel in a breakout room centered around early childhood education. During that session, there were
- [New in September from Gift Connect: Program Updates, Vroom Partnership, and more.](https://gift-connect.org/program-updates-vroom-partnership-and-more/) - GIFT CONNECT is officially a Vroom partner! Vroom is a free app with science-based tips and tools to help parents and caregivers give children a great start in life today - and an even better future. We couldn't be more excited to partner with an organization that so closely aligns with us. Check out Vroom
- [New in October from Gift Connect: Advocacy in Houston, Carnegie Lullaby Partnership, and more.](https://gift-connect.org/new-in-october-from-gift-connect-advocacy-in-houston-carnegie-lullaby-partnership-and-more/) - Advocacy at the National Urban League National Conference Sam recently attended the National Urban League National Conference in Houston, TX. He met with more than 60 national, state, and local leaders. He asked them one simple question: If we don’t make Birth to Three a national policy imperative, can we reverse poverty in America? Sam's
- [Find items on your list](https://gift-connect.org/find-items-on-your-list/) - At the store? Ask your child to find one orange, two apples, and three bananas (or any items on your list). As they bring them to the cart, have them count out each item one by one. Take one of the items out and ask them how many are now left.
- [New in July from Gift Connect: Recent Kenya Event, Vroom Partnership, Lullaby Playlist ](https://gift-connect.org/ambassador-recent-kenya-event-vroom-partnership-lullaby-playlist/) - Birth to Three Ambassador, Stellar Mengele, Leads Successful Training Program On May 20, 2023, GIFT CONNECT Ambassador, Stellar, conducted a training session with over 1,000 parents and over 1,000 children under the age of five. Everyone left the training feeling empowered by the Birth to Three Movement. About our Program PODCAST CONNECT Conversations with Libby
- [Describe what you see](https://gift-connect.org/describe-what-you-see/) - Almost everything is new to your child in their first year. So describe what you see. “There goes the yellow school bus. Beep beep!” Let them see, hear, smell, and even touch things, if possible. Notice what they're interested in and have a back-and-forth chat. “You see the big tree? What else do you see?”
- [Tell a silly story](https://gift-connect.org/tell-a-silly-story/) - During a diaper change, tell your child a silly story about the tallest little child in the world. While you are at it, stretch their arms over their head as you stretch out your words in a playful tone. (The taaaaaaallest baaaaaby in the wooooooorld!)
- [Let your child know what you're doing](https://gift-connect.org/let-your-child-know-what-youre-doing/) - As you do laundry, let your child know what you’re doing: “I’m putting white clothes in the washer so they will be clean.” As you say the words, point to the objects (clothes, washer, soap). When they respond, continue the conversation by talking and pointing.
- [Make a topic into a magic word](https://gift-connect.org/make-a-topic-into-a-magic-word/) - Have your child choose a topic for a story, like “cat.” Make the topic into a magic word by adding an action like clapping. Then you tell a story and every time they hear the magic word they clap. To make it harder, add another magic word and action to the story. Take turns. Let
- [Have your child look for doubles](https://gift-connect.org/have-your-child-look-for-doubles/) - Have your child look for doubles of letters or numbers on signs and license plates. You can say, “Can you find two E’s on one sign outside?” Take turns and see who can find the most.
- [Count each step you take](https://gift-connect.org/count-each-step-you-take/) - When your child is learning to walk up and down stairs, hold their hand, and count each step you take. This helps them become familiar with their numbers and it's fun!
- [Count their steps together aloud](https://gift-connect.org/count-their-steps-together-aloud/) - When you're outside, try playing this game with your child. Give them a place to stand and have them estimate how many steps they are from you. When they walk back, count their steps together aloud. Try all different distances!
- [Play "Beat and Repeat" anywhere](https://gift-connect.org/play-beat-and-repeat-anywhere/) - Play "Beat and Repeat" anywhere. Create a rhythmic beat with two claps. Can your child copy it? Repeat until they get it. Have them create their own rhythm with two claps. Anytime someone misses, try again. Then make it three beats. How many beats can you get to? Four? Five? Six?
- [Pour water into a cup](https://gift-connect.org/pour-water-into-a-cup/) - Grab two cups before bathtime. Give your child a cup and pour water into theirs. Then ask them to pour the water back into yours. Count the number of times out loud and see how many times you can go back and forth!
- [Find many things in blue](https://gift-connect.org/find-many-things-in-blue/) - Challenge your child to find as many things as they can that are blue. Get creative by limiting the game to a specific time (three minutes or so) or place (the grocery store.) Have them count how many they find. Switch it up by looking for letters or objects instead.
- [Show your child the pictures](https://gift-connect.org/show-your-child-the-pictures/) - Do you have some books or magazines around? Show your child the pictures. They will like clear simple pictures, especially of faces. Talk with them about what you see. How do they respond? Now talk about their response!
- [Let them explore all of their senses](https://gift-connect.org/let-them-explore-all-of-their-senses/) - When you're reading with your child, let them explore it with all of their senses. Allow them to touch, pat, hold, and even taste (if it's clean) what you're reading. Describe their actions like, “You're patting the picture of the bunny.”
- [Invent a story](https://gift-connect.org/invent-a-story/) - Work together with your child to invent a story about people you pass on the street. Ask them, “Tell me about that man who just walked by.” See how they respond. You can help them by asking questions like, “What do you think he likes to do for fun?” or “What is his favorite food?”
- [Make up a story together](https://gift-connect.org/make-up-a-story-together/) - When you’re waiting at a stoplight, bus stop, or train platform, make up a story together about someone across the street or on the opposite platform. Where is the woman in the hat going? What will she do when she gets there? Try to elaborate on your child's ideas.
- [Match pictures to the real objects](https://gift-connect.org/match-pictures-to-the-real-objects/) - Match pictures to the real objects. After looking at a picture of an apple, for example, let your child touch and smell one. Describe what they're doing. “You're feeling the smooth red apple. Look, here it is in the picture!” Go back and forth and create a conversation.
- [Repeat the sound back to them](https://gift-connect.org/repeat-the-sound-back-to-them/) - If your child says "Ba,” repeat the sound back to them. Then add on to it, "Ba, ba, ba." Do they try to copy your sounds? Add a new sound next, ”Ba, ba, MA.” Do they notice the change? Do they try to repeat it? Go back and forth repeating each other’s sounds and building
- [Use many words to describe](https://gift-connect.org/use-many-words-to-describe/) - Ask your child to touch the clothes you’re both wearing. Talk back and forth about how they feel. You could say, “We’re both wearing shirts. Mine is smooth and yours is wrinkled.” Take turns using as many words as you can to describe how your clothes feel.
- [Fill in the blanks](https://gift-connect.org/fill-in-the-blanks/) - Fill in the blanks to make up a story: “We're going to ___. When we get there we'll see ___.” As your child gets in the rhythm, take turns going back and forth. Is your story realistic? Make believe? There is no right or wrong, just have fun!
- [Pretend your hand is a plane, bird or car](https://gift-connect.org/pretend-your-hand-is-a-plane-bird-or-car/) - With your child on their back, fly your hand above their face. Pretend your hand is a plane, a bird, or a car. Talk about what you’re doing. Tell a story, make sounds, or sing. Do they grab your fingers, watch your hands move, or kick? Try different ideas to find what they like best.
- [Pretend these things are part of your song or story](https://gift-connect.org/pretend-these-things-are-part-of-your-song-or-story/) - Here's a fun and easy way to add something new to your child's favorite song or story. Use a few familiar objects as you tell the story or sing the song. If you are outside, they can be leaves or rocks, or household items like a spoon or toy if you are inside. Pretend these
- ["Mail Time!"](https://gift-connect.org/mail-time/) - Talk to your child about getting mail and what it means. Then write them a note or give them a piece of junk mail or store flyer and say, “Mail Time!” After they look at it, take turns talking about the letters, pictures, colors, and designs.
- ["Can you find it in the room?"](https://gift-connect.org/can-you-find-it-in-the-room/) - Draw or use your cell phone to take pictures of things in your room like a chair, a table, or the refrigerator. Ask your child to look at your cell phone picture and say, “Can you find it in the room?” As they get good at this, you can make it a little harder.

## Pages

- [Gift Connect](https://gift-connect.org/) - Every second, a child’s brain forms over 1 million connections. At Gift Connect, we're on a mission to advocate for early childhood education.
- [Get Involved](https://gift-connect.org/get-involved/) - Get Involved in Giving - Donating online is the most cost-effective way of contributing to support our 0 to 5 early childhood development programs.
- [Delaware](https://gift-connect.org/our-work/every-community/delaware/) - Connecting with Parents & Caregivers in Wilmington, Delaware GIFT CONNECT walks alongside parents, grandparents, and caregivers during the most important window of a child’s life — before they’re even born through age three. Because the legacy you build right now will last generations. Delaware is at a crossroads.The urgency to act is real — and
- [Our Team](https://gift-connect.org/about/our-team/) - Our Leadership Sam Beard Our Founder and President Sam Beard, a social entrepreneur and public servant, has dedicated his life to making a difference in the world, serving eight U.S. Presidents and creating the Jefferson Awards. He founded GIFT CONNECT in 2021. Board of Directors Mark Holden Chairman Mark Holden is a successful entrepreneur, musician,
- [Who We Are](https://gift-connect.org/about/) - Who We Are: Sam Beard is a social entrepreneur and public servant who has dedicated his life to making a difference in the world.
- [Parenting Tips](https://gift-connect.org/loving-habits/parenting-tips/) - Six Ways to Build the Habit of Love Don't Miss Out on This Week's Parenting Tip Get one tip a week to boost your babies' brainpower. Or follow us on Instagram for tips in your feed. VISIT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL
- [Proof](https://gift-connect.org/why-0-3/proof/) - The Proof and The Evidence: Why the First Three Years Matter Decades of research consistently demonstrate the profound impact of early experiences on a child's development. We have the proof on why the first three years of life are a critical period for brain growth and laying the foundation for cognitive, social, and emotional well-being.
- [Kenya](https://gift-connect.org/our-work/every-community/kenya/) - Making a Difference in Kenya In Kenya, we are on a mission to educate and empower mothers and caregivers in rural Kitui County who aren’t being reached through traditional methods. Our initiative uses the unique power of music and celebrity influence to both entertain and educate on the importance of Birth to Three and practicing
- [Our Financials](https://gift-connect.org/our-financials/) - Gift Connect Our Financials Find out how GIFT CONNECT's transformative programs are supported. GIFT CONNECT is proud to share that 84% of all revenue and donations are directly invested in our life-changing programs. These initiatives are dedicated to supporting parents and caregivers in the U.S. and internationally as they nurture their children's development during the
- [Delaware Sign Up](https://gift-connect.org/our-work/every-community/delaware-sign-up-new/) - Your Baby’s Future Starts with YOU! Every word you speak. Every song you sing. Every time you respond to their cries with love — you’re building their brain. And it starts even before they arrive. But you don’t have to do any of it alone. Take the First Step -- Sign Up Now! A FREE
- [Science & Impact](https://gift-connect.org/why-0-3/science-and-impact/) - The Power of the First Three Years A child's brain triples in size in the first three years – an astonishing period of rapid growth and opportunity. These formative years shape their future, making it a critical time for teaching and learning. Early childhood development programs offer unparalleled potential for a child's success. The Science
- [Every Community](https://gift-connect.org/our-work/every-community/) - We are building a movement of mothers and fathers, healthcare workers, nonprofit leaders, policy makers from Every Community.
- [Blog | Gift Connect](https://gift-connect.org/blog-gift-connect/) - Blog Categories Tags Join our community Every month, we share quick soundbites on our events, podcasts, upcoming plans, and issues affecting our birth to 5 mission. Sign up today!
- [Advisory Council](https://gift-connect.org/advisory-council/) - Early Childhood: The Best Investment We'll Ever Make. Our Advisory Council is a distinguished group in early childhood development.
- [Technology Tools](https://gift-connect.org/our-work/technology-tools/) - Technology Tools: GIFT CONNECT's tools offer “additional intelligence” to help you navigate the challenges and joys of raising a child.
- [Advocacy](https://gift-connect.org/advocacy/) - We're squandering human potential. Neglecting early childhood development, which results in a lack of school readiness, costs us all: lower productivity, inefficient spending, and a cycle of poverty. Join us in demanding change. Your support empowers us to advocate for policies that prioritize early childhood development. Are You an Organizational Influencer? Do you want to
- [Privacy Policy](https://gift-connect.org/privacy-policy/) - Gift Connect Privacy Policy Last updated: January 20, 2026 Global Investment Foundation for Tomorrow, Inc., dba GIFT CONNECT (“Company”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) respect your privacy and are committed to protecting it through our compliance with this policy. This policy describes how we collect, process, retain, and disclose personal data about you when providing services
- [Mobile Application End User License Agreement](https://gift-connect.org/mobile-application-end-user-license-agreement/) - Mobile Application End User License Agreement Last Modified: December 12, 2025 This Mobile Application End User License Agreement (“Agreement”) is a binding agreement between you (“End User” or “you”) and Global Investment Foundation for Tomorrow, Inc., dba GIFT CONNECT (“Company”). This Agreement governs your use of the Gift-Connect Parenting Suite (including all related documentation, the
- [Terms of Use](https://gift-connect.org/terms-of-use/) - Terms of Use Last Modified: December 12, 2025 Acceptance of the Terms of Use These terms of use are entered into by and between you (“you” or “user”) and Global Investment Foundation for Tomorrow, Inc., dba GIFT CONNECT (“Company,” “we,” or “us”). The following terms and conditions, together with any documents they expressly incorporate by
- [Test](https://gift-connect.org/test/) - [MPBOX id=5114]
- [Contact Us](https://gift-connect.org/contact-us/) - Contact Us Follow Us Contact Info 1201 N Orange St, Suite 7265Wilmington, DE 19801info@gift-connect.org302-884-6720
- [Parenting Tips - Sign-up](https://gift-connect.org/parenting-tips-sign-up/) - Parenting Tips Sign up for weekly emails with tips to build loving habits for you and your child. We get it, you're juggling all the things. Our emails pack a punch: Suggest social accounts to follow 2-minute read One tip based on the loving habits (play, sing, read, count, speak, serve & return) One easy
- [Loving Habits](https://gift-connect.org/loving-habits/)
- [Our Work](https://gift-connect.org/our-work/)
- [Weekly Gift Newsletter](https://gift-connect.org/contact-us/weekly-gifts/) - Newsletter Sign-Up Your Weekly Gift: Quick tips to improve your connection with your child. Baby steps that have a big impact. Sign up for weekly tips to build loving habits for you and your child.
- [Thank you for subscribing](https://gift-connect.org/thankyou/) - The Brain Science of 0 to 5 Learn more about the potential of the brain science of Birth to 5 and early childhood development. Follow us on Instagram and we’ll pop into your feed.
- [Edutainment](https://gift-connect.org/what-we-do/edutainment/) - Edutainment is a valuable tool for both children and adults. It can make learning more engaging, enjoyable, and effective.
- [Newsletter Sign-up](https://gift-connect.org/contact-us/newsletter/) - Join the movement, stay connected on our newsletter. We share updates on events, podcasts, plans, and issues affecting the birth to 5 mission.
- [Podcast](https://gift-connect.org/resources/podcast/) - Connect Conversations Podcast: The first three years of a child's life are the most critical for brain development.
- [Why 0-3?](https://gift-connect.org/why-0-3/)
- [Support Gift Connect](https://gift-connect.org/support-gift-connect/) - Support Gift Connect Become a changemaker Donate to support early childhood development. Your support means generational change. Thank you! Support GIFT CONNECT GIFT CONNECT exists to amplify the importance of birth to three development through the power of music, technology and collaboration.Explore other Ways To Give including mail-in donations, matching gifts and more.
- [Gift Connect Events](https://gift-connect.org/what-we-do/events/) - GIFT CONNECT worked hard in Utah to build relationships and build public, private partnerships at regional events. Sam gave the keynote speech at the
- [Gift Parent Assistant](https://gift-connect.org/what-we-do/programs/gift-parent-assistant/) - Gift parent ASSISTANT Gift Parent Assistant App Make a Donation Help Us Expand the Delaware Program with a Gift GIVE NOW Attend Sessions Enroll in the Imagination Library program DISCOVER MORE
- [Utah](https://gift-connect.org/what-we-do/programs/utah/) - We have chosen to pilot Sammie in Utah because of the diverse population, high birth rate and a growing population.
- [Advocacy Network](https://gift-connect.org/advocacy-network/) - Advocacy Network Deliver limitless potential to every baby Without Birth to Three, we can’t: Transform our failing schools Reverse poverty Create a 21st-century workforce Grow our economy Without sustained and passionate advocacy, elected officials will not make birth to three a policy imperative. Engage and Activate the GIFT CONNECT Advisory and Advocacy board In our
- [Partners](https://gift-connect.org/partners/) - Partners We believe in the power of collaboration.That, together, anything is possible. Gaiasoft Gaiasoft, led by Morel Fourman, helps consultancies, governments, and global agencies deliver policies and plans through thought leadership, innovation, and configurable platforms. Gaiasoft’s digital knowledge and M&E systems have reported over $11 billion of projects from 134 countries enabling the shift from
- [Delaware](https://gift-connect.org/what-we-do/programs/delaware/) - Making a Difference in Delaware The DELAWARE Program Our Delaware-based program focuses on engaging and educating parents and caregivers on birth to three development through experiential learning, empowering them to be their baby’s first and most important teachers. Why Delaware? Public Education Failure Public Education Failure, particularly in impoverished areas: A recent education assessment showed
- [glossary](https://gift-connect.org/glossary/)
- [Resources](https://gift-connect.org/resources/) - Try our Tools Our Main Tools
- [What We Do](https://gift-connect.org/what-we-do/) - What We Do From a Scientific Perspective The science is clear: the first three to five years of life set the tone for a child's future, making it a time of huge opportunity...or great risk.In the first three years of life, more than one million neural connections are formed each second. 70-80% of a child's
- [Campaign: Giving Tuesday 2023](https://gift-connect.org/campaign-giving-tuesday/) - National Programs Our goal in the U.S. is to increase the flow of educational funding to early childhood development programs that have a specific focus on parent and child education/training. Global Programs in Kenya, we are partnering with industry leaders in education and development to create innovative approaches that amplify the importance of Early Childhood

## Categories

- [Events](https://gift-connect.org/category/events/)
- [Music](https://gift-connect.org/category/music/)
- [Brain Science](https://gift-connect.org/category/brain-science/)
- [Collaboration](https://gift-connect.org/category/collaboration/)
- [6 Loving Habits](https://gift-connect.org/category/6-loving-habits/)
- [Speak to](https://gift-connect.org/category/6-loving-habits/speak-to/)
- [News](https://gift-connect.org/category/news/)
- [Sing to](https://gift-connect.org/category/6-loving-habits/sing-to/)
- [Count with](https://gift-connect.org/category/6-loving-habits/count-with/)
- [Play with](https://gift-connect.org/category/6-loving-habits/play-with/)
- [Serve & Return](https://gift-connect.org/category/6-loving-habits/serve-return/)
- [Read to](https://gift-connect.org/category/6-loving-habits/read-to/)
- [Reading](https://gift-connect.org/category/reading/)
- [Edutainment](https://gift-connect.org/category/edutainment/)
- [Kiswahili](https://gift-connect.org/category/6-loving-habits/kiswahili/)

## Tags

- [Music](https://gift-connect.org/tag/music/)
- [Partnerships](https://gift-connect.org/tag/partnerships/)
- [Website](https://gift-connect.org/tag/website/)
- [Parenting Help](https://gift-connect.org/tag/parenting-help/)
- [Podcast](https://gift-connect.org/tag/podcast/)
- [App](https://gift-connect.org/tag/app/)
- [News](https://gift-connect.org/tag/news/)
- [Programs](https://gift-connect.org/tag/programs/)