Play and Talk
Here's What To Do
1
While you’re playing with your child, engage them in related conversations to help them develop their communication skills.
2
Follow their lead and ask questions that encourage them to use familiar words to communicate.
3
Include new vocabulary words in your responses and follow-up questions. Your child will become familiar with the words before they begin to use them.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Ask your child if you can play with them. Allow them to take the lead.
E
Engage:
- “What are you doing with the ___?”
- “What would you like me to do?”
E
Encourage:
- If your child points or uses gestures instead of words, say the word or describe what they are doing. It’s ok if they don’t repeat it.
- “You pointed to the baby doll. You want me to hold the baby? OK I will hold the baby.”
R
Reflect:
- “What should we play next time?”
Not quite ready?
Describe what you and your child are doing so they hear new and familiar words. “Wow! You are driving that truck really fast.”
Ready for more?
Ask more detailed follow-up questions that include use vocabulary words in context to encourage your child to respond with additional vocabulary words.
As your child masters this skill...
They will apply familiar vocabulary to discuss familiar people, places and objects independently.