Playing and Naming
Parent plays with toddler using a few favorite toys, encouraging the child to ask for toys by name and name familiar objects during play. The agent coaches the parent to observe expressive vocabulary, object naming, and conversational turn-taking — building language production skills through natural play interactions.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Parent and toddler sitting face-to-face in a comfortable play space. 3-4 favorite toys within reach but not immediately in toddler's hands. Space should be relatively quiet to support language focus.
How it works
- 1~45s
Start by showing your child the toys you've gathered. Hold them up one at a time and say their names clearly — 'Look, your child, here's your ball! And here's your truck! And here's your teddy!' Then place them just out of reach and ask, 'Which toy do you want to play with?' Encourage your child to ask for one by name. You might say, 'Can you say ball?' or 'Tell me which one you want.' Watch closely — does your child try to say the name of a toy they wants? Even an approximation like 'ba' for ball counts!
Watch for: Toddler attempts to ask for a desired toy using a word or word approximation.
- 2~50s
Now that your child has chosen a toy, play with it together! As you play, hold up different parts or related objects and ask, 'What's this?' For example, if they chose a truck, you might point to the wheels and ask, 'What are these?' or hold up a block and ask, 'What is this?' Keep it natural and playful — we're looking to see if your child can name familiar objects when asked. Notice if they says the actual word or uses a consistent sound for that object.
Watch for: Toddler names familiar objects when parent asks 'What's this?' during play.
- 3~40s
Let's focus on conversation now. As you continue playing, make comments about what you're doing — 'I'm rolling the ball to you!' or 'The teddy is sleeping.' Then pause and look at your child expectantly, giving them time to respond. See if your child adds to the conversation — maybe by naming something you mentioned, making a related sound, or even saying 'yes' or 'no.' We're looking for those early conversational turns where your child responds to something you said.
Watch for: Toddler responds verbally to parent's comments during play, taking turns in conversation.