Skill· 4mo–6mo· 2 min

Toy Communication Play

Parent uses a favorite toy to engage baby in early communication through arm movements and facial expressions. The agent coaches the parent to observe how baby expresses excitement, communicates preferences, and coordinates arm movements toward desired objects — building foundational communication skills and motor coordination.

Start voice activity

Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.

What you'll need

Baby positioned comfortably — sitting supported or lying on back. Have one favorite lightweight toy within reach. Ensure baby is alert and in a playful mood. Parent should be positioned where baby can see their face clearly.

How it works

  1. 1~30s

    Start by holding up your child's favorite toy where they can see it clearly. Move it slowly from side to side to catch their attention. Watch your child's arms closely — does they start shaking or waving their arms when they sees the toy? This arm movement is your child's way of saying 'I like that!' or 'I want that!' Tell me what you notice about their arm response.

    Watch for: Baby moves arms excitedly when seeing a desired object, using body language to communicate interest.

  2. 2~35s

    Now let's focus on your child's face. Show the toy again, but this time watch their facial expressions closely. Does your child smile, widen their eyes, or make an 'O' shape with their mouth when they sees the toy? Or maybe they shows a different expression if you show a less favorite object? These facial expressions are how babies communicate likes and dislikes before they can talk. What do you see on your child's face?

    Watch for: Baby communicates preferences through clear facial expressions — smiling for likes, neutral or negative expressions for dislikes.

  3. 3~40s

    Now let's help your child coordinate those excited arm movements toward the toy. Hold the toy just within reach — not too close, but where they would need to extend their arms to touch it. Watch how your child moves their arms. Does they reach toward the toy with some coordination, even if they doesn't quite grasp it? Or do their arms move in a more general excited pattern? We're looking for that connection between seeing something desirable and directing arm movements toward it.

    Watch for: Baby coordinates arm movements toward a desired object, showing early reaching and targeting skills.

What this develops

Visual example

Coming soon