Action word play
1–2 yearsFamily ConnectionNo materials needed
As you and your child do activities together, say what you are doing using simple action words. Running, jumping, eating, drinking, throwing, or catching. Match your words to what your child is actually doing in the moment. Then wait to see if they repeat the word or action.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
As you and your child do activities together, say what you are doing using simple action words. Running, jumping, eating, drinking, throwing, or catching. Match your words to what your child is actually doing in the moment. Then wait to see if they repeat the word or action.
Why It Works
Labeling actions as they happen provides rich language input during the critical vocabulary explosion period when your child's brain is primed for language acquisition. Research demonstrates that improved parent-child verbal interaction quality enhances school readiness and long-term academic success (Parent Child Home Program, 2019). By combining words with actions, you help your child connect language to their lived experience, building effective communication skills.
Tips for Parents
Use the same action words repeatedly. Hearing words many times helps your child learn them.
Keep sentences short. One or two words work best for this age.
Act out the words with your child. Moving together makes the words more memorable.
Materials Needed
None
Learning Methods
Language-Rich EnvironmentImitation and Modeling
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