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Hanging up the laundry together

Sorting laundry is a great opportunity to expand your toddler's vocabulary through an everyday activity.

Talk about what items belong to who and make piles of laundry for each member of your family.

Watch the video below to find out more about how you can make the most of hanging up clothes together.

Why should you hang the washing up with your child?

  • Naming the items in your washing basket helps your child build their vocabulary.
  • Describing each item can help your child learn how words go together.
  • Talking about who owns what clothes teaches your child about possession and sharing.
  • Encouraging your child to sort clothes into piles builds early maths skills.
  • Chatting through your everyday routine provides simple entertainment and a learning opportunity for your toddler.
A mum and her daughter are hanging up the laundry in the kitchen. The little girl is hugging an item of clothing.
Talk about each item as you put it on the dryer, including the colour and texture.

How to get your child to help hang up the laundry

Try letting your child take the lead in this activity. Ask them to find certain items of clothing, like "mummy's dress" or "dad's jumper".

This not only challenges their problem-solving skills and helps their cognitive development, but also makes the activity more fun.

Children are more likely to learn and participate when they feel like they're in control.

Why not ask your child to sort the clothes? Perhaps they can look for matching socks? Or make piles depending on who the clothes belong to.

Give them clear instructions and use simple two or three word phrases. Ask them to "find mum's jumper" or comment on "daddy's blue socks".

As their language develops and they start responding in similar phrases, you can build on your instructions. You know your child best, so adapt the activity to suit them and their ability.

A mum and her daughter are hanging up the laundry in the kitchen. The little girl is hugging an item of clothing.
Talk about each item as you put it on the dryer, including the colour and texture.

Language learning through everyday routines

Your everyday routine is the perfect opportunity to help build your child's language skills. Check out the list below for more inspiration on how to make magic out of your mundane tasks:

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