Under the Blanket

What you need

• a blanket
• a soft toy they know well

How to do it

1. Hide a favourite soft toy under a blanket while they watch.
2. Lift the blanket slowly and name the toy as it appears: "teddy!"
3. Hide it again, and pause before you name it this time.
4. Swap in another toy they know.

Why it matters

Waiting for the toy to appear builds a little excitement, and that's the moment a word is most likely to come.

What they're learning

Names they love

Favourite toys are the words they most want to say.

Waiting for it

The build-up gives them a moment to get the word ready.

Playing together

Hide and find is a game they can lead.

What to look for

Watch for them saying something as they pull the blanket off.

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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