5 ways to talk, read, sing and play

Have fun with your little one during the holidays. Holidays always bring new opportunities for fun! 

If older siblings are at home on school holidays, ask them to read with your little one. This is a great way for them to practice their own literacy skills too, and provides an appreciative audience for them to practice on!

Cook together. Make gifts to bring friends and family or a special treat to share. Invite your child to read the recipe with you, pointing out the different words and measurements to them as you go.

Make decorations together. Try stringing pasta shapes on string, making paper chains or cutting out shapes for your little one to decorate. Chat about what you are doing as you go, and remember to pause for the little noises or sounds babies and toddlers make in response to you – these are their earliest attempts at conversation!

You can encourage your toddler or preschooler to draw pictures to give to friends and family, or make cards with special messages for loved ones.

Sing songs together. From traditional nursery rhyme songs to words you make up yourselves, singing slows words down and helps your child to learn. Don’t forget – your child doesn’t mind if you are out of tune! They just love to hear your voice.