When I think of summer I think of being outside. Getting outside is even more important now since we’ve been cooped up indoors during quarantine. Playing with chalk not only gets you outside but it also provides the perfect opportunity to incorporate language activities.
Following Directions
Being able to follow directions is an important skill for kids to learn and will be even more important as they enter their school-age years. Children begin understanding simple directions such as “give me” around 12 months of age. As they get older they can follow more complex directions.
Change up your typical hopscotch for a fun following directions activity. Write and draw instructions such as: twirl, hop like a bunny, roar and stomp, etc.
Things to note: If your child is struggling following certain directions it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are being defiant. They might not understand what a word means. Model exactly what they should do with both actions and words.
Pretend Play
Pretend play typically emerges between 18 and 24 months of age. It encourages imagination, promotes problem solving and helps to develop social skills.
The options are endless with this one. Have fun creating scenes like these:
- A farm
- A town
- A grocery store
- A beach
Identifying and Naming Pictures
Children are able to begin identifying (pointing to an object when named) around 18 months of age and can name pictures of common objects shortly after.
I’ll admit, I am not the best when it comes to drawing pictures. If you’re like me, no worries! Draw simple pictures like a car, sun, flower, person, bugs, etc. See if your child can point to one of the pictures after you name it. If they are able to identify the pictures, make it more complex by asking them to name the pictures.
How do you use chalk? Leave a comment below or send a message straight to my inbox!
