What Happened?

Materials You Need: None are necessary.  Sometimes you might want to start a conversation with something such as photos of something your child recently experienced (such as a birthday party), or an item connected with a recent experience your child had (such as some food that you brought home from the market after you went shopping together)

What You Can Do Together:  Every day, have enjoyable conversations with your child.  At this age, your child talks much more and probably loves to have your interest in what she or he wants to say.  At quiet times, you might encourage your child to remember and describe something that happened that day or recently.  You can start your child off with something like, “Oh, remember our visit to Grandmother’s house this morning?  You had such a good time.  What did you do there?”  Really pay attention to your child’s description (no phone!).  If she or he says something like “Ate lunch,” you could encourage more memories and descriptions: “Yes, what did you eat?  What was your favourite?” and “What else did we do?  I remember that you played with the cat.”   You’ll notice that your child’s stories about these kinds of activities begin to be longer and more complex as time goes on.

What Your Child is Learning: This activity is great for your child’s vocabulary development.  As your child learns and uses more words, he or she is building a strong foundation for later reading.  As your child tries to remember things that happened in the past, he or she is also developing his or her brain.  So important are the warm connections you and your child are making through these everyday conversations, sharing your child’s experiences and your memories together.