Learning how to communicate and use language are important preschool tasks that prepare children to build vocabulary and speaking skills. In this game, your child will have the opportunity to use descriptive language by describing familiar pictures.
Learning Area(s): Language and Communication; Social and Emotional
MATERIALS
- Tape
- Empty cube-shaped tissue box (so it will roll and land on a side)
- Pictures from magazines (good), of family members (better), and/or pictures of family members doing things (best)
LET'S PLAY
Prepare for this game by attaching one picture to each side of the box using tape.
Introduce the game to your child: “Let’s play a game called Roll and Tell. I have added pictures of our family on each side of this box. Every time we roll the box we will name the picture on top and talk about it together.”
Your child will toss the cube, and together you can identify what is happening in the picture. For example: “Here are all of us celebrating Grandpa’s birthday. See the cake on the table?” Then ask questions that will help create a conversation about what your child sees. For example: “Who came to Grandpa’s birthday party? Why does Grandpa look surprised in this picture? Do you remember what else we did for Grandpa that day? Do you know what month Grandpa’s birthday is? What month is your birthday?”
If you have chosen pictures from magazines, you can ask your child about what he sees in the picture and then some related questions. Try to think of questions that encourage your child to share information or use his imagination, questions beginning with: Who? What? Where? When? How? Why?
Continue rolling the box and taking turns having a conversation with your child about the pictures on the cube.
TIPS
- Include pictures that provide enough detail for your child to describe and elaborate on what he sees. For example, a picture of him (or someone else) at the park, zoo, museum, school event, etc.
- During the conversation, point out and explain some vocabulary words that your child may not know. For example, “The word siblings means your brothers and sisters.”
- If your child is hesitant to respond, offer guidance by asking, “What do you see in the picture?” Repeat his response in a complete sentence.