Following on from our previous post, here’s another idea you can do with your little ones in as little as 15 minutes! This activity was taken from EYBIC Word Pack from Elklan.

• Use symbols (visual timetable) to show the child what they are going to do first and next e.g. “first you are going to do some listening, then next play a game.”

• Things you can use:
  • big toy
  • small toy
  • two different toys
  • toothbrush
  • hairbrush
  • wet sponge
  • dry sponge 
  • towel

• You are going to give some key word instructions. You must have a choice of two things for each item in the instruction so that the child is making a choice between two things. They have to understand which one you are saying.  Give the child at least five instructions to carry out. Below are examples for you to choose between. You can, of course, make your own to suit the child’s level and interest:

• Introduce the toys, e.g. big and little teddy. Then say something like, “Oh my goodness bears! You are so dirty! And smelly! We will have to wash you!” Ask the child if they will help you. 

 TIP: Encourage the child to repeat the instructions to help him remember what he has to do:

• 2 key words:  Teddy and a choice of sponge + brush
• Wash teddy’s feet (a choice of all body parts)

• Wash teddy’s face

• Brush teddy’s tummy.

• Brush teddy’s ears. • Wash teddy’s back.

3 key words: A choice of a Teddy + baby and sponge + brush

• Wash baby’s hands (a choice of all body parts)
• Wash baby’s feet
•  Brush baby’s hair
•  Brush teddy’s back
•  Wash teddy’s face

 4 key words:  A choice of a big teddy + little teddy and a choice of a sponge + brush and a choice of all body parts OR choice of a big teddy + little teddy and a choice of a wet sponge + dry sponge and a choice of all body parts.

• Wash little teddy’s feet
• Wash little teddy’s tummy
•  Wash big teddy’s face
• Wash little teddy’s paws
• Wash big teddy’s back
• Brush big teddy’s tummy
• Brush big teddy’s back
• Brush little teddy’s face
• Brush little teddy’s legs
• Brush big teddy’s arms
• Wash big teddy’s face
• Wash big teddy’s tummy
• Dry big teddy’s back
• Dry little teddy’s face
• Wash little teddy’s feet

Remember that there must be a choice for wash, little teddy and all body parts so that the child understands what you are asking them to do.

Check back again next week for more ideas to try at home!!