Week 1 – Our Busy Day
This month, we are exploring “Our Busy Day!” Growing toddlers’ routines change frequently. How have your child’s rest time or bathroom routines changed? Share what works at home with your child’s teachers. Harmony between home and school fosters trust and strong bonds between toddlers and their teachers!
Asking for help can be difficult for toddlers who are excited to do everything on their own. As you play this game, you might say:
Yes, it’s your favorite car. You’re working so hard to get it out of the bag. If you need help, you can say, “Help, please.”
Why It’s Important
Your child’s oral language development refers to the growing number of words your child can use to communicate. At this point, your child understands far more words than can be spoken. Your child has to learn how to make and combine the sounds needed to pronounce words in order to start speaking them clearly. This can only be accomplished through practice. Encourage your child to talk, modeling the words first if needed.
Not Ready Yet
Have your child repeat words and phrases like “help” and “help please” even when you know that help is needed. With practice, your child will begin using these words without being prompted.
Need a Challenge
Ask your child questions to keep the conversation going. You might ask, “What do you need help with?” or “What do you need me to do?” You can even ask questions about the object inside the bag. What is it? What will your child do with it?
Journal/Talk
It is very exciting when your child is finally beginning to express some needs, thoughts, and ideas using words. Show your child how proud you are! Respond with enthusiasm when your child says a word or phrase for the first time. Have your child repeat it on camera. Send the video to friends and family so they can get excited about it, too.
Book Recommendations
“May I Please Have a Cookie?” by Jennifer E. Morris
Extend the Learning
Look for opportunities throughout the day to encourage your child to talk. Teach your child to communicate with words rather than gestures, grunting, crying, and pointing. Model the words for your child and have your child repeat them back when necessary.
Recite the following chant as you take your child for a walk outdoors. Name the colors of the items your child finds.
Leaves are green and the sky is blue.
Point to a color and I’ll name it for you.
Color, colors all around.
Bold and bright show me what you found.
SOMETHING TO CONSIDER
Learning to share takes time! You can help your child start slowly by offering them an object and then asking for it back. Give them lots of praise if they are able to give you the item back. It’s perfectly normal for them to hold on to the object, so give them plenty of time to practice.
