Skill· 22mo–3.2y· 2 min

Who Uses This?

Parent describes tools used by different professions and asks child to name the tool, the profession, or both. Escalates from recognition (pointing) to naming to spontaneous generation. The agent positions child as the expert, not the student.

Start voice activity

Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.

What you'll need

No materials needed. Works well in the car, at the table, or during a walk.

How it works

  1. 1~25s

    Say to your child: 'I'm thinking of someone whose job is to help people when they're sick. They use something special to listen to your heart — do you know what it's called?' Wait. Then ask: 'And what's the person called who uses it?' Tell me what your child says.

    Watch for: Child names tool or profession from description

  2. 2~25s

    Try another profession — pick one your child might know from daily life. For example: 'Someone who builds houses uses a tool to knock nails in — what's it called? And what do we call the person who builds houses?' Tell me what happens.

    Watch for: Child names second profession-tool pair

  3. 3~20s

    Now flip it — say: 'Your turn! Can you think of a job, and tell me one tool they use?' Don't suggest. Wait up to 10 seconds. If your child is blank, offer: 'What about someone who cooks food?' and see if that starts them. Tell me what they comes up with.

    Watch for: Child independently generates a profession-tool pair

What this develops

Visual example

Coming soon