Words & communication

Action commentator

Describe what your child is already doing using short, useful phrases.

5 minutes

What you'll need

Your child's current play

Before you start

Can attend to a shared object briefly

Best fit: either · calm energy · low caregiver effort · low mess

How to play

  1. Watch before speaking.
  2. Describe one action in a short phrase.
  3. Pause so the play remains child-led.
Make it easier

Repeat one key action word such as push, in or open.

Standard

Describe what your child is already doing using short, useful phrases.

Extend it

Add a contrast such as fast and slow or in and out.

What you might notice

Words or phrases that match what your child is focused on.

Keep it safe

Before joining, check that the existing play space and materials are safe for a child under 3. Stay within arm's reach, do not introduce new objects, stop unsafe mouthing or throwing, and pack away damaged items.

Why it may be useful

This activity creates an easy moment for back-and-forth communication, shared attention and hearing useful words in context.

strong

Applies to caregiver-led language opportunities; it does not predict an individual child's language trajectory.

Jeong et al. (2021) — Parenting interventions to promote early child development in the first three years of life: A global systematic review and meta-analysis

Dowdall et al. (2025) — Home-based shared book reading and developmental outcomes in young children: a systematic review with meta-analyses

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