Hiding one toy: a simple search game without turning play into a test
A familiar toy and a small cloth can support a shared search game. Keep the hiding place obvious, help when needed and notice the interaction rather than scoring success.
All topics / Birth to preschool
Child development
Everyday communication, shared reading and observing how children play.
6 articles
Search this topic →Pointing to ask and pointing to share: noticing gestures before the words
A pointing finger can ask for help or invite you to notice something interesting. Observe the surrounding exchange without demanding a spoken word before you respond.
A toddler changes activities every minute: observing play without a stopwatch
Rapid changes between toys can make an adult worry about attention. Look at what the child is doing within the changes, and adjust one feature of the play space.
Bilingual first words: noticing all the languages a child uses
A child’s communication can draw on more than one language, and mixing languages can be part of learning. Notice real examples across settings, keep using comfortable home languages, and raise concerns across languages with a speech-language professional.
Turning a board book into a back-and-forth exchange
A board book can become shared language play when an adult notices what a baby or toddler looks at, names it, and pauses for a response. Follow the child’s interest; there is no need to finish the book.
Observing play across home and nursery without ranking children
Useful observations describe what a child did, where it happened, and what support was available. Comparing those details across home and nursery can clarify a concern without labeling the child or ranking them against peers.