Short Statements Storytime
Parent engages child in conversation about recent events, then draws pictures together about what they discussed. The agent coaches the parent to observe how child uses one- and two-word phrases to communicate about past experiences — building narrative skills, vocabulary, and conversational turn-taking.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Parent and child sitting comfortably facing each other. Paper and crayons within reach but not yet in use. Quiet environment with minimal distractions.
How it works
- 1~45s
Start by telling your child about something you did together recently — maybe what you had for dinner last night, a walk you took, or a visit from a friend. Keep it simple and pause after each idea. Watch your child's face — does they light up about a particular memory? When you see that spark, ask a simple question like 'Remember park?' or 'Dinner yummy?' Tell me what catches their attention.
Watch for: Child shows recognition or interest when parent mentions a recent shared activity, and attempts to communicate about it.
- 2~40s
Now let's deepen the conversation. Pick the activity your child seemed most interested in and ask a simple two-part question, like 'Park fun?' or 'More cookie?' Pause and give them plenty of time to respond. Listen carefully — is your child trying to put two words together? Even attempts like 'more... cookie' with a pause between count. What language do you hear?
Watch for: Child combines two words to express a complete thought, either clearly or with slight pausing between words.
- 3~50s
Now let's bring out the paper and crayons. Say 'Let's draw our park visit' or whatever you discussed. Start drawing something simple — a swing, a cookie, a friend's face. Hand your child a crayon and say 'Your turn!' Watch what they does. Does your child scribble while naming what it is? Does they use a single word that represents the whole idea, like 'park' while drawing?
Watch for: Child uses a single word to communicate a complete idea or narrative, often while engaged in related play.