Your Child Will Learn
To communicate effectively to help others get what they need
Here’s What to Do
- Invite your child to play a restaurant game at the beginning of dinner. They’ll be the server, and they need to take everyone’s drink orders.
- In a notebook, help your child draw pictures of two drink choices (like: water and milk).
- Have your child ask what each person wants to drink, and mark an X on their pad next to the drink.
- See if your child can report everyone’s orders back to you. Let your child help serve the drinks if possible.
Put PEER Into Action
PAUSE
- Gather everyone else in their seats at the dinner table, and have your child stand next to the table.
ENGAGE
- “Can you ask everyone what they want to drink? Write an X or a scribble in your notebook to keep track of how many milks we need and how many waters we need.”
- “Can you tell me what Papa wants to drink? What about Gina?”
ENCOURAGE
- If your child forgets people’s orders, let them go back and ask again. They’ll be more likely to remember the answer the second time!
- Let your child help as much as possible- can they find the drinks in the fridge? Carry them to the table? Bring non-breakable cups to the table? Pour drinks with help?
REFLECT
- “What was your favorite part of playing waiter? What was hardest for you?”
Not Quite Ready
Give your child example questions and answers when they take orders. Like: “Okay go say to Mama- would you like milk or water?”
Ready for More
Try the same game with more choices- like letting family members choose if they want ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper.
As Your Child Masters This Skill
They will be able to accurately listen to, remember, and share information.
Time to Complete
5-10 minutes.
Materials Needed
Notebook, pencil or crayon, 2 choices of drinks