Change the Name Game
Here's What To Do
As you say family member’s names, every so often, change the beginning sound of their name to make a silly name.
For example, say “Tob” instead of “Bob.” Your child can repeat it.
You can ask your child what you should have said instead. Point out that you changed the sounds at the beginning from “B” to “T” (they are just being introduced to this, not expected to identify this).
Note: only change the names of family members who agree. If someone does not like it, change the names of other objects while playing instead.
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Turn to your child and invite them to play a sound game!
Engage:
- “I’ll change the beginning sound in our name to make a new silly name. You can repeat it.”
- “We’ll only say a silly name if that person likes it. If they don’t, we’ll call them by their real name.”
Encourage:
- Repeat the name a few times before saying it with your child.
- Point to your mouth as you say the silly name, then the original name, to help your child see and hear how the sounds are different at the beginning.
Reflect:
- “Whose name should we say in a silly way next?”
Not quite ready?
If your child isn’t ready to repeat, you can say the name and ask them to give a thumbs up or thumbs down if that’s the correct name. “I said ‘Tob.’ Is their name ‘Tob?’”
Ready for more?
Your child can try changing the beginning sound independently.
As your child masters this skill...
They will repeat words with beginning sounds that have been changed.