Building Understanding at Home:
- Rena Mkhitaryan
- May 11
- 2 min read
Why This Simple Activity Helps Build Language Skills at Home
When your child learns to identify and hand you the correct object, they are practicing an important language skill called receptive language. Receptive language means understanding words, directions, and what other people are saying. Before children can consistently use words, they first need to understand them!
This activity may look simple, but it supports many early communication skills:
Listening and attention
Understanding vocabulary
Following directions
Processing language
Making choices
Joint attention (sharing focus with another person)
These skills are the foundation for later communication, learning, play, and social interaction.
Why using real objects works
Children learn language best when words are connected to real experiences. Using everyday objects like a spoon, shoe, ball, or cup helps children make meaningful connections between words and actions.
For example:
“Give me the spoon” during breakfast
“Find your shoe” while getting dressed
“Where’s the car?” during playtime
Repeating words during daily routines helps children hear language over and over in a natural way, which supports learning and memory.
Tips to make this activity easier
If your child is just starting:
✔ Start with only 2 objects
✔ Use objects that look very different
✔ Sit face-to-face and reduce distractions
✔ Use simple language (“Give me ball”)
✔ Wait a few seconds before helping
You can also use gestures, pointing, or modeling to support understanding.
Tips to make it more challenging
As your child improves, you can:
-Add more objects
-Use descriptive words (“Give me the big ball”)
-Ask location questions (“Where is the spoon?”)
-Give 2-step directions (“Get the spoon and put it on the table”)
-Practice with categories (animals, foods, toys, clothing)
What if my child gets it wrong?
That’s completely okay — mistakes are part of learning!
Instead of saying “No,” try:
Gently showing the correct item
Modeling the word again
Keeping your tone positive and encouraging
Example:“Here’s the ball! This is the ball.”
Children learn best when interactions feel supportive, playful, and pressure-free.
The importance of repetition
Research shows children learn language through repeated exposure and responsive interactions with caregivers. Doing this activity for just a few minutes throughout the day can make a big difference over time.
Small moments add up:
At meals
During bath time
While cleaning up
On walks
During play
You do not need special toys or long practice sessions — everyday routines are powerful learning opportunities!
When should I seek support?
Every child develops at their own pace, but it may help to speak with a speech-language pathologist if your child:
Has difficulty understanding simple directions
Does not respond consistently to familiar words
Seems frustrated when communicating
Has limited vocabulary compared to peers
Has trouble following everyday routines
Early support can help build communication skills and confidence.
References
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Early Identification of Speech, Language, and Hearing Disorders.
Roberts, M. Y., & Kaiser, A. P. (2011). The effectiveness of parent-implemented language interventions: A meta-analysis. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology.
Kaiser, A. P., & Roberts, M. Y. (2013). Parent-implemented enhanced milieu teaching with preschool children who have intellectual disabilities. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research.
Hanen Centre. Responsive interaction strategies for language development.
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