RL.B.19 LOCATES FAMILY MEMBERS WHEN NAMED

This is an enjoyable game to play when all the family is present. Close friends and pets can also be included.

When your child can play this game, she will show that she is connecting words to familiar people, and that she can choose between the people around her in response to the words she hears.

How to Assess

Method: When the child is with 2 or more other family members, say ‘Where’s Daddy. . .Mummy . . . Nana . . . Andrew . . . Fido?’

Score plus if your child locates at least one family member when he or she is named.

How to Teach

If your child does not locate the person you name, have that person call her (or, in the case of Fido, point your child in the right direction). Repeat the name – ‘Look, there’s Fido or ‘I’m Nana’.

Give your child opportunities to show that she can do this without help.

Remembering and Extending

You can continue playing this game until all family members and close friends are known, and beyond. At Macquarie the teachers play it with the children in the Toddler Class, to help them to learn each other’s names. They use a song:

Where oh where is sweet little Sarah?

Who knows where she is?