The Interaction Coach

There’s a big difference between language and speech. Speech is only the way we use our mouth to say words. Language is how we express many different meanings for many different social reasons. Langu…

There’s a big difference between language and speech. Speech is only the way we use our mouth to say words. Language is how we express many different meanings for many different social reasons. Langu…

Mediation means you provide structure and assistance to help your child focus on the most important information and know what to do. You provide just enough assistance to help them be successful.

An …

Children can learn about making choices by building on the turn taking activities you have been practicing. Today’s activity helps your child get used to the idea that choices are limited. After you …

Use directions for common activities and actions that make sense in that situation. For example, don’t say, “Put the ball under the box.” It makes sense to put the ball in the box. Give your child cu…

Your child learns words when you use them in meaningful situations. They will have more interest and stay focused longer when you make the interactions fun and high interest. Use just one or two word…

As we begin the language domain, here’s a reminder that you shouldn’t neglect the other domains. They all build on each other.

At Level 6 your child will learn: respond to action cues, point to sever…

Your child will master scouting down the stairs backward, and will get better at climbing up onto furniture.

They will learn to move a chair so they can climb up to get things. It’s a big accomplishm…

Pop beads help develop finger strength and persistence. Musical instruments let them experiment with sounds and different intensity of actions. Sand or water play lets them use a variety of motions t…

Your child will learn to open a lid that screws on. Their finger control is getting better so they can also open snap-on lids, pull up a zipper, and perform a variety of movements for latches, dials …

Your child can now hold a picture in their head of something they want. They may be playing and think of a toy they need, then go and find the toy. Or they might start to feel sleepy so they go and l…

Your child will use trial-and-error to fit 3 objects inside each other. Experimenting with this helps your child learn persistence and teaches them about comparing different sizes and putting them in…

Your child enjoys trying things to see what happens. They like things they use in different ways like can turn, open, make noise, change, pound, knock down, kick, and roll.

Today’s activity: Provide …

Your child will add more variety to how they use objects. They can imitate when you show them a new way to use a familiar object.

Today’s activity: Roll a ball or car in and out of new places or on d…

Your child enjoys acting like an older person and being more independent. They like to do chores they see others do.

Today’s activity: Give your child a cloth to help dust or clean. Encourage them to…

Your child is learning characteristics of objects like size, shape, color. They like to experiment to find out how things work and what happens when you do things with them. They keep trying if their…

Your child enjoys sorting through and examining objects, exploring their characteristics and trying out what they do. They’re especially interesting if they are new or seen only at special times.

Tod…

Your child likes to investigate mysteries—What’s in this drawer today? They need opportunities to explore but need a safe space to do that.

Today’s activity: Have child-safe places for your child to …

Play is where your child builds thinking skills and language concepts. Play also motivates your child to engage with the world and participate with others. Keep your activities fun as you share activ…

Your child will show a preference for an object or activity that helps them feel calm. It may be a soft blanket, a favorite toy, rocking, looking out the window, or being held.

Today’s activity: Use …