Shopping Into the Cupboard

What you need

• a cloth bag of shopping, or a few things from the cupboard
• a few tins and boxes from it

How to do it

1. Sit on the kitchen floor with the shopping bag between you.
2. Take things out one at a time and name each one as you hand it over: "beans", "pasta".
3. Let them put it in the cupboard.
4. Leave a pause before you name the next thing, in case they get there first.

Why it matters

Shopping comes round every week with the same things in it, and hearing the same names over the same real objects is how words stick.

What they're learning

Hearing names

The same everyday things with the same names each week.

Having a go

A pause leaves room for them to name it first.

Helping

Putting things away gives them a job while they listen.

What to look for

Watch for them reaching into the bag and holding something up to you before you've named it.

A tip

If a word comes out, however unclear, say it back clearly and add one more: "ball" becomes "big ball". Never ask them to repeat it.

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