Three-year-olds are growing rapidly in their language use. They are able to listen to and understand spoken language. They show their understanding by following simple directions. In this enjoyable game, you will be able to see your child’s progress in her understanding of spoken language.
- paper and pen, or computer
Preparation
Step 1: Write down five to six instructions that require your child to pantomime an action. For example: Show me your expression when you taste something really yummy and delicious.
Here are some sample instructions to get you started. You can add to these by making up your own.
- Show me how you look when you walk outside and it is really cold.
- Show me how you look smelling a beautiful and fragrant flower.
- Show me your expression when you walk outside and smell a skunk.
- Show me a loud noise.
- Show me your expression when you eat something that is really sour.
Activity
Step 1: Play the game by giving your child an instruction and asking her to show you the action through pantomime and improvisation. After your child acts out one of your instructions, you can follow up with other questions (“What food did you taste that was really yummy and delicious?”).
Step 2: Continue with new instructions as long as your child remains interested.
To make it easier, provide more support. Model the expression or action and then ask your child to imitate.
Ask your child to pantomime an action and let you guess what it is. Or, you might pantomime an action and let your child guess.
