Copying your child is a great way to make them feel important and start new conversations. If you’ve got a ball, play this copycat game with your little one at home – it’s loads of fun and perfect for language learning.
Watch the video below and read on to learn more about how copying little ones can build their confidence in communicating.
What are the benefits of playing copying games with toddlers?
Playing copycat with your child helps them feel that their attempts to communicate are noticed and helps them build confidence in their new skills.
Following your lead will help your little one learn to understand and follow instructions.
Taking turns helps to build their understanding of back and forth communication. This is key to conversations as their language skills develop.
It helps them to link words with actions
Image caption, Let your child lead the way and follow what they do and say.
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How to make the most of copycat games with toddlers
This copycat game is a great activity you can try indoors or outdoors. If you don’t have a ball, you could use a soft toy.
When playing, talk about what you are doing and encourage them to take turns.
Mirror your little one and use words like ‘up’ and ‘down,’ or you can say their name and the action they’re doing like ‘Mo, throw the ball’ or ‘Meg, pick up the ball’.
Prompt them to take their turn. This shows them how conversation works.
If they say a word or phrase, repeat it back to them to reinforce it.
More playtime games for toddlers
- Why not try making a treasure box together for some sensory fun?
- If you've got some old socks, you've got some sock puppet characters for story time!
- Hide and seek is a classic that you can play anywhere
