This is a . . . tarantula! eek!

On the last post, someone asked if I had any activities for 18 month olds. . . here you go! This can be used with someone as young or as old as you would like!

Children from birth to age six have what is termed "the absorbent mind". Because of their absorbent minds, they easily learn the world around them at exponential rates! This "game" is a quick and easy way to help them learn the world around them.

Here's what you need: any three objects that you would like for your kiddo to learn. (Children love and are fascinated by small objects! I will talk more about this in a later post.) If you are working with an 18 month old, you might choose three very basic items such as an apple, an orange and a lemon. I chose a tarantula, dragonfly, and grasshopper for Lawton. When I was taught this lesson during my training, the trainers used a knife, spoon, and fork, but taught us the words in another language! It was tricky! (You will understand once you view the video). You can (but don't have to) have a rug or towel to control the work area as well.

Here's why you should do it: What greater gift than to give your child the adequate words to communicate with you! Kids love playing this "game" and don't even realize they are learning!

Watch the video and then meet back up with me below.

Okay, did you get it all?

Here are a few highlights that I want to make sure you get.

• First, name all objects to clarify what they are. Lawton wanted to call the tarantula a spider (which it is) and dragonfly could have been an insect and the grasshopper a bug. Decide what terminology you want them to learn.
• I then had him point to the objects because that is easier than saying the name when learning new vocabulary.
• He handed me the objects next, but you can get as silly as you want - put the tarantula on your head, put the grasshopper on your knee, give the dragonfly a kiss, etc.
• If they exhibit that they can locate the objects correctly, then say, "This is a . . . " and see if they can respond with the correct name. If not, no big deal, just name it yourself and keep playing the game. This way, they might not realize they are supposed to know the right answer and stress that they don't yet.
• If they choose the wrong item, no big deal. Don't say, "That's not right! Are you crazy? Haven't I taught you anything?" (I'm kidding people) But instead, just rename the objects and keep playing the game. (or until they make the dragonfly buzz away and the grasshopper jump into your hair!