Teamwork Time
Here's What To Do
Play a teamwork game with your child. First you choose a “job” to do together, then they can choose another.
- Start with an easy task, such as putting books away on a shelf together or putting toy cars in a basket. Break the task into parts, so that you do one, and they do another.
After you’ve completed the first task, let your child choose the next one – provide suggestions if they need help thinking of things to do.
- Celebrate with your child for working together, acknowledging the ways that working together makes things easier for everyone.
- Say, "Let’s play a teamwork game! I’ll give you a fun job to do, and then you can give me one too!"
- Start with an easy task, like "Can you put this book on the shelf?" or "Let’s place all the toy cars in the basket."
After your child completes a task, let them give you a direction like, "Can you put this teddy on the bed?" Follow their lead and show excitement!
Celebrate your child by saying, "Look how we worked together! When we listen and follow directions, it makes things easier for everyone."
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Take three deep breaths together before starting this activity.
Engage:
- “Let’s work together like a team – first I’ll give you a task, and then you can give one to me. What task should we start with?”
- “I’ll pick the book up off the floor, and you can put it on the shelf. Now it’s your turn to choose.”
Encourage:
- "That was a great idea! You gave me a direction just like I gave you one!"
- “Having trouble thinking of what to do next? Let’s pause and think of things that will go faster if we do them together.”
Reflect:
- “How did it make you feel when we helped each other?"
Not quite ready?
Start with one simple direction and help your child complete it together.
Ready for more?
Add more steps, like "First, put the book away, then place the teddy on the bed."
As your child masters this skill...
they will become more confident in listening, following directions from trusted adults.