Outdoor Snack Time

What you'll need

Blanket or mat outdoors, 2-3 favorite toys, 2-3 simple snack options (like crackers, fruit pieces, or a drink). Parent and child sitting together comfortably. Environment should be calm with minimal distractions.

How it works

1. 1~30s

   Start by showing your child the toys and snacks you've gathered. Hold up two options — maybe a toy car and a stuffed animal — and ask 'What should we bring to our picnic?' Use an excited, inviting tone. Watch closely: does your child try to name what they wants? You might hear a word like 'car,' 'bear,' or 'snack.' Even an attempt or approximation counts! Tell me what your child does.

   Watch for: Child attempts to request items by name when given a choice during the picnic setup.

2. 2~35s

   Now that you've started your picnic, pick up one of the toys and hold it up. Ask 'your child, what's this?' Use a curious, playful tone. You can also point to snack items — 'What's this called?' Watch for whether your child tries to name familiar objects. It's okay if they says 'ba' for ball or 'ca' for car — we're listening for any attempt to label. What does your child do?

   Watch for: Child attempts to name familiar objects when asked during the picnic play.

3. 3~40s

   As you enjoy the picnic together, try starting a simple conversation about what you're doing. You might say 'We're eating crackers!' then pause and look at your child expectantly. Or comment on what a toy is doing — 'The bear is sitting!' Watch how your child engages. Does they try to add a word, make eye contact, or respond with sounds? We're looking for those back-and-forth social communication moments.

   Watch for: Child participates in simple conversational turn-taking during the picnic interaction.

What this develops

• ◆Milestone
  Produces Few Meaningful Words

  Languageprimary

Visual example