Listen and Do
Parent gives simple verbal requests and watches whether child responds — with gestures, actions, or a word. Covers early language comprehension, first words, and command-following milestones at 12-18mo. Three phases: simple commands, question-with-gesture, and word attempts.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Sit with child engaged but not in the middle of something else. Have a familiar object nearby (ball, toy, cup). Speak clearly and naturally — do not over-enunciate. Do not gesture toward the target while giving the instruction.
How it works
- 1~60s
Try 3 simple one-step commands, one at a time with a pause between each. For example: 'Give it to me' (while holding your hand out AFTER saying it), 'Put it down', 'Come here', or 'Wave bye-bye.' Say the words first, then add the gesture if needed. Does your child respond to the words alone, or only when you gesture too? Tell me what happens for each.
Watch for: Child responds to simple one-step verbal commands
- 2~45s
Now try simple questions: 'Are you hungry?', 'Do you want more?', 'Where's the ball?' Watch for any response — a word, a gesture, looking toward the named thing, head nod or shake. Does your child respond differently to questions vs. commands? Tell me what you see.
Watch for: Child answers simple questions with gesture, action, or vocalisation
- 3~30s
Listen carefully during this turn for any clear, intentional word — even just 'more', 'up', 'mama', 'ball', 'no', or a consistent sound your child uses for a specific thing. Ask: 'What do you want?' or 'What's that?' and wait. Does your child try to say a word? Not a babble — a specific sound with meaning behind it. Tell me.
Watch for: Child uses a definite word or consistent sound with clear communicative intent