Rules of Play — Learning How Things Work
Parent and toddler play a structured game where the agent guides observation of the child's understanding of basic rules and norms — like taking turns, following simple instructions, and understanding 'gentle' versus 'rough.' Uses everyday play situations to assess social cognition.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Parent and toddler together with a stuffed animal or doll and a small cloth/blanket. Comfortable indoor setting.
How it works
- 1~15s
Start by handing the stuffed animal to your child and say 'Be gentle with the baby bear!' — or whatever the toy is. Then watch — does your child handle it gently? Or is it a squeeze and a throw? Tell me what happens.
Watch for: understands_gentle_norm
- 2~20s
Now let's play pretend! Say 'Oh, the bear is tired. Can you put the bear to sleep?' and offer the blanket. Does your child try to cover the bear or lay it down? Even a rough attempt counts! What does they do?
Watch for: follows_caregiving_norm
- 3~25s
Now let's try a quick rule game. Roll a ball back and forth — you roll to your child, then say 'Your turn! Roll it back!' Does your child get the back-and-forth idea? How many rolls before they keeps it or wanders off?
Watch for: understands_turn_taking_norm
- 4
Throughout this play, did your child use any words? Even little ones like 'no', 'mine', 'baby', 'night', 'more' — anything your child said during the games?
Watch for: uses_words_during_structured_play