Description

A simple three-part play routine where your child says what they want to play, plays it, then tells you what happened. The saying-first and telling-after are the whole point; the play in the middle is the child's own.

Play guide

1. 1Before free play, sit with your child and ask what they want to do. Keep it short by asking "What are you going to play?"
2. 2Let them answer in their own words. A gesture, one word, or a full sentence all count. Repeat it back so they hear their own plan.
3. 3Step back and let them play their plan however it unfolds. It is fine if the play drifts somewhere else.
4. 4When they finish or reach a natural pause, ask what they did. Listen without correcting or quizzing.
5. 5Reflect one thing back that you noticed, then let the routine close.