Here's What To Do
Play a simple game! Ask me to bring you something from another room. Choose an item that:
- You're sure I understand the name for
- That's kept in a consistent place in the other room
- That's easy for me to reach and carry
If I bring you the wrong thing, or forget your request, thank me and name the object I did bring you. Then, repeat your original request.
Give me as many hints as I need, and go to the room with me to find the object if I'm really stumped. Celebrate when I do find the object!
Repeat with different objects and rooms.
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Give me a high five before we begin.
Engage:
- "Can you get me your hairbrush?"
- "Oops, you brought me your socks, but I need your shoes. Can you get your shoes please?"
Encourage:
- If I'm having a tough time, go with me to the appropriate room. Then, ask for the object again.
- You may need to repeat your request several times. It's easy for me to forget and I might get distracted on the way.
Reflect:
- Do I seem to know what rooms I'll find familiar objects in? Am I able to remember what you asked me to bring?
Not quite ready?
Ask me to bring you items in the same room that we are already in. If I'm not mobile enough to transport items, see if I can follow other requests like "give your baby doll a kiss" or "bang your blocks together."
Ready for more?
With one instruction, ask me to bring items from two places in our home. Like: "Can you bring me your teddy bear and your socks?"
As your child masters this skill...
They will be able to visualize where familiar items are located in your home, even if they can't see them. They will use that memory to get an item from its "spot."