As your child starts to talk more, you might introduce unfamiliar words and experiment with new sounds. As you take the time to listen to what she is saying and periodically rephrase her words into complete sentences, you will help her realize that her thoughts are important. Here is a simple activity that will encourage her to tell you about an amazing adventure she is about to take you on!
- chairs or sofa
- paper plate
- crayons
- scissors
Step 1: Encourage your child to color on a paper plate. Cut out the inner part of the paper plate to create a steering wheel. Describe what you have done, for example:
“Look Marlee, I made a steering wheel, like the one in my car. Let’s make a car or a bus and you can be the driver!”
Step 2: Arrange chairs or sit on the sofa and ask questions to get the adventure started. For example:
“Where are we going? What will we see? What will we do when we get there? Let’s go!”
Step 3: Continue with discussion of what you might see on the way, or once you get there. Have a fun trip!
Give your child a paper plate steering wheel while driving in the car together. Ask about what she sees out the window. Sing a song like “The Wheels on the Bus.”
Gather a box and items to create a vehicle. Draw or paint on lights, doors, and wheels. Let your child take her toy friends on a ride and tell you about it.