Activity
Face-to-Face Naming Play
A caregiver shares attention with a child on a few favorite objects, naming each and following the child's gaze.
Ages 4–24 months
Supports this milestone
- learns from communication and language experiences with others. — Head Start ELOF
Materials
- Two or three favorite objects (a ball, a stuffed animal, a cup)
- A cozy spot where you can sit face-to-face or hold the child close
Steps
- Hold up one object near your face and name it warmly, pausing to let the child look.
- Follow the child's gaze; when they look at an object, name it and talk about it.
- Look back and forth between the child and the object to build shared attention.
- Add a simple action or sound, such as bouncing the ball, and name what is happening.
- Pause often and watch for the child to look back at you to keep the exchange going.
Variations
- Narrate during diaper changes or meals, naming what the child is looking at.
- Use a song, naming each object as it appears, for children who love music.
Differentiation
- For younger infants, use one high-contrast object and exaggerated facial expressions.
- For older toddlers, ask "Where is the ball?" and wait for them to find it.
Accessibility
- For children who are deaf or hard of hearing, pair naming with signs and expressive faces.
- For children with vision differences, name objects as the child touches and explores them.
Safety
- Use objects large enough not to be a choking hazard for infants who mouth items.
Practices these skills
Evidence
- Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) — U.S. Office of Head Start · 2015 · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Early Atlas