Name that thing
1–2 yearsFamily ConnectionNo materials needed
During everyday moments together, point to objects around you and clearly name them. Wait for your child to look at or point to the object. Then expand by adding a simple detail like color or size. This works during meals, walks, or playtime.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
During everyday moments together, point to objects around you and clearly name them. Wait for your child to look at or point to the object. Then expand by adding a simple detail like color or size. This works during meals, walks, or playtime.
Why It Works
This activity builds the foundation for effective communication during the critical language explosion period when vocabulary grows from 50 to 200 plus words. Research shows that quality parent-child interactions with shared attention and conversational turns predict successful language learning more than quantity of words alone (Hirsh-Pasek et al., 2015). By naming objects and waiting for responses, you create the conversational duets that support language development.
Tips for Parents
Pause after naming each object. Give your child time to respond with sounds or gestures.
Follow your child's interests. Name what they are already looking at or reaching for.
Keep it simple. Use one or two word phrases that your child can begin to copy.
Materials Needed
None
Learning Methods
Language-Rich EnvironmentImitation and Modeling
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