First, hold the paper vertically, fold the paper in thirds to make 3 creases, and then unfold. Next, write “head” in the top section, “body” in the middle section, and “feet” in the bottom section. The first person will take a turn creating the creature’s head. Once the head is completed, the paper will then be passed onto the next person who will complete the creature’s body. Finally, have the last person complete the feet. Make sure all of the body parts connect. When your mystery monster is completed, make up a story about what its’ name is, where it’s from, what it likes to eat, etc. You can also identify body parts and come up with what the monster might say. Feel free to add on other craft items to your monster (e.g. googly eyes; pom poms).

Imaginative play is a key factor in cognitive development and play skills. And luckily, there are many fun ways for parents to work on this skill with random household items.

Collect a few child-safe and child-proof items in your house (nothing breakable!). Such items could be a straw, hair tie, tissue, etc. Then work with your child to create different ways that the item can be used. For instance, two straws might turn into bug antennae. A hair tie could become a queen’s ring. A ripped up tissue might act as falling snow. The possibilities are endless!

Does the item make a sound? Can it bend or does it have moving pieces? Where else might you find this item? Have fun and be creative! There are no wrong answers when it comes to using your imagination.

1. Your child will feel involved and empowered to help with activities around the house.
2. Your child will learn to use language not only during playtime, but during daily routines, as well.
3. Allows your child to acquire and learn language in real life contexts. This increases generalization of language skills that are learned in therapy into everyday life.

Activity #1: Laundry

• Sort laundry items into categories such as socks, shirts, hats, etc. Have your child imitate these words as you sort!
• Ask your child to verbally identify items by function. For example “Show me something you wear on your feet!” if you are looking for your child to show you the socks. If your child needs support, offer choices! For example “Do you wear a sock or shirt on your feet?”
• This helps your child increase awareness of their body parts and the function of each!
• Make the activity silly by wearing the wrong item on your feet and have your child imitate “No!”.
• Ask your child to verbally identify if the clothes are “cold” or “hot” coming out of the dryer! Make it silly by having your child imitate or exclaim “ouch!” as you pretend to ‘burn’ your finger on the hot clothes from the dryer!

Activity #2: Reading before bed

• As you read a story to your child before bed, pause before turning the page and ask your child to point to the characters on the page.
• Have your child imitate animal noises (“Moo!” or “Baa”) or car/train noises (“Beep Beep” or “Choo-Choo”) if they are found within the book. 

Activity #3: Morning Routines/Breakfast

• Give choices on clothing items to wear. “Would you like to wear the red shirt or the blue shirt?” This helps increase independence as they learn to help dress themselves.
• Ask your child to request what he or she needs from you to brush their teeth or comb their hair, etc. “What do we need to brush our teeth? We need ourtoothbrush! Your turn! Try toothbrush”
• Have your child make choices on what to drink at breakfast. “Would you like to drink milk or juice?”
• Have your child imitate simple words or phrases related to breakfast. These could include “eat more”, “drink milk”, “yum”, or “juice”!
• In addition, this helps your child work on gaining independence with feeding and using sippy cups.