Learning to Play with You
Here's What To Do
1
I'm learning how to play with other people! One way to help me learn is to play simple and short games with me throughout the day.
2
Here are some games we could play whenever we have five minutes:
- Play "hide-and-seek" with a toy. While I'm watching, hide a toy. Encourage me to find it.
- Take turns filling a box or bowl with toys, one at a time. When we're done, encourage me to dump it out.
- Build a tower with blocks or small boxes and let me knock it down.
- At bath time, let me drop my toys into the tub one at a time to make them splash.
3
I'll likely lose interest after a few minutes, which is normal for my age. See if you can fit another short game into our daily routine later today.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Give me a big smile before we begin.
E
Engage:
- "Let's play hide-and-seek with your elephant. I'm going to hide her under this blanket. Can you find her?"
- "Can you help me find out which toys make the biggest splash? Drop this boat down into the tub. Splash!"
E
Encourage:
- Pause during the game to see if I try to keep the game going. This helps me learn how to play with someone else.
- Compliment me if I join the game, like: "Great job knocking over the tower! Should we do it again?"
R
Reflect:
- Do I seem to like playing with you? What are my favorite games to play?
Not quite ready?
Play "peek-a-boo" with me. Hide behind a cloth or your hands, and say "Peek-a-boo!" when you reveal yourself.
Ready for more?
Play a ball rolling game with me. Roll a large ball to me, and see if I'll return it to you. How long can we keep our game going?
As your child masters this skill...
They will play a short game with a trusted adult.