The little discoveries journal
Farm animal play and first words: simple games for toddlers
4 min read
In short
- Talking during play gives toddlers lots of chances to hear new words.
- Animal sounds are fun, easy sounds for little ones to copy.
- Follow the child’s lead and keep games short and playful.
Why play is full of words
When adults talk about what a child is doing — “the cow is going into the barn!” — the child hears words linked to something they can see and touch. Simple, repeated phrases during play give lots of natural chances to hear language.
You do not need special techniques. Narrating, pausing and waiting for the child to respond is plenty.
Five quick farm games
Who says moo? Make a sound and let the child find the animal. Hide and seek: tuck an animal behind the barn and ask where it went. Bedtime on the farm: put each animal to sleep and say goodnight. Big and small, in and out: use the playmat to talk about positions. Story time: pick an animal and make up what it did today.
Keep it relaxed
Every child develops at their own pace. Keep games short, follow what interests them and stop while it is still fun. If you have questions about your child’s speech or development, your health visitor, Plunket nurse, child health nurse or doctor is the right person to ask.