Your Child Will Learn
How to answer a question with a word they know
Here’s What to Do
- Think of a word I can say. Point to that object and ask “What’s that?”
- If I’m learning a new word, ask “What’s that?” and then answer your own question.
- When you know I want to hold something, show me that object and a second object. Encourage me to say its name out loud by asking me which one I want.
- Continue asking me “what’s that” throughout the day.
Put PEER Into Action
PAUSE
- Have me sit in your lap to help me focus.
ENGAGE
- “What’s that? (pause) That’s right, it’s a dog!”
- “Do you want your car or the ball?”
ENCOURAGE
- Give me lots of time to answer. Even if I know the word, it’s hard for me to process the question you’re asking me.
- Help me learn the correct way to say the word by repeating it after me. If I say “ba”, you can say “Yes, that’s a ball!”
REFLECT
- Did I surprise you with any words I know? Which words am I still learning?
Not Quite Ready
If I’m not saying any words yet, keep asking “What’s that?” and answer your own question. That will help me begin to learn new words.
Ready for More
Ask me “what’s that” while reading books. I’m learning that pictures represent things in real life.
As Your Child Masters This Skill
They will be able to answer “What’s that?” for more and more objects.
Time to Complete
10 minutes
Materials Needed
Objects familiar to your child