The Name Game
Parent tests and strengthens baby's recognition of their own name through a playful calling game from different positions and contexts. The guide helps the parent observe the speed, consistency, and social quality of the baby's response, capturing social engagement, auditory processing, and early attention skills.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Baby on floor, play mat, or bouncy seat. Parent able to move around the room. No special materials needed.
How it works
- 1~10s
Start face-to-face, about two feet away. Wait until your child is looking at something else -- a toy, the wall, anything that's not you. Then say their name in your normal, cheerful voice. Just once. What happens?
Watch for: turns_toward_name_called_from_front
- 2~10s
Now move so you're to your child's side -- out of their direct line of sight. Wait a moment, then call their name again. Same voice, same way. This is harder because they has to figure out where the sound is coming from. What does they do?
Watch for: turns_toward_name_from_side
- 3~15s
Here's a fun comparison. Say a random word -- something your child doesn't hear much, like 'pickle' or 'umbrella' -- in the same cheerful tone you used for their name. Pause. Then say your child's name the same way. Is the response different?
Watch for: differentiates_own_name_from_other_words
- 4
Let me ask about the social part. When your child does turn to you after hearing their name, what happens next? Does they just look and then go back to what they was doing? Or does something social happen -- a smile, a reach toward you, a babble, an expectant face like 'they's waiting for what comes next?
Watch for: social_engagement_after_name_response
- 5~15s
One last thing. Move a few feet away from your child and call their name with open arms, like you want them to come to you. Does your child try to move toward you? Crawl, scoot, reach, or lean your direction?
Watch for: moves_toward_parent_when_called