​​​​​​​​​Materials: Stuffed animals or toys.

STEP 1

Help your child find a special toy or stuffed animal for this activity. Tell your child that you are going to practice talking and taking turns. Start by saying, “Hello! My name is __. What is your name?”

STEP 2

Give your child time to answer with their name. Then, ask them another question that they can answer. You might ask them their favorite toy, food, or game. Wait for your child to respond.

STEP 3

Help your child ask their toy or stuffed animals the same questions. Pretend to be the toy and answer your child’s questions.

MAKE IT EASIER:

Repeat your questions at different times during the day. Practice the back-and-forth talking your child is learning.

EXTEND THE LEARNING:

Have your child ask you two or three questions in a row. Then, you can ask them the same questions. See how many times you can take turns when talking before you run out of things to say!

​WHAT IS MY CHILD LEARNING?

Your child is learning how to make friends and practice taking turns when talking.

WHY?​

Your child will meet many people during their life. Learning how to take turns when
talking is important for their brain growth and social-emotional skills.

parent and child playing with stuffed animals