Hand Me the Duck

What you need

• two or three chunky toys they know by name

How to do it

1. Put two toys they know on the floor between you, like a duck and a car.
2. Hold out your hand and ask for one: "can I have the duck?"
3. Thank them and put it back.
4. Swap which one you ask for, and add a third toy when two is easy.

Why it matters

With two toys side by side, the only way to pick the right one is to know the word, so every go is a small test of understanding that feels like a game.

What they're learning

Knowing the word

Picking the duck over the car means they understood "duck".

Choosing

A real choice, made by listening.

Giving

Handing it over completes the job.

What to look for

Watch for their eyes going to the right toy as soon as you say its name.

A tip

Say the name without pointing or looking at it; that's what makes it about the word. If they're stuck, point to help and try again another time.

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