Spoon to Me

What you need

• a few kitchen things within their reach: a spoon, a cup, a bowl

How to do it

1. While you're busy in the kitchen, keep a few safe things where they can reach them.
2. Say their name, then: 'get the spoon and give it to me'.
3. Wait with your hand out, without pointing at it.
4. Swap which thing you ask for so they're listening for the word each time.

Why it matters

With several things in reach, bringing the one you named is proof they heard the word, and being a real help in the kitchen is exactly what makes them want to.

What they're learning

Listening for the word

Choosing the spoon out of three things is understanding, not guessing.

Holding two things in mind

Get it and give it. The second part is where attention usually slips.

Being a helper

A job in the kitchen is one of the most wanted jobs there is.

What to look for

Watch for them bringing the right one when the other two are just as close.

A tip

Keep hot pans and sharp things well out of the way. These are the things you ask for, not the things near the cooker.

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