Let’s get started
Today we will explore use a new story word through play. Grown-ups can model it first; children can respond by pointing, moving, speaking, or drawing. There is no speed test.
Learn together
- Watch together: Choose an unfamiliar word from a read-aloud and use it while playing.
- Try it as a team: Use the word when talking to someone. Pause, repeat and let the child lead.
- Try once more in a new way: Listen to the word in a sentence. Celebrate the attempt, not perfect results.
Watch and try an example
Choose an unfamiliar word from a read-aloud and use it while playing.
Show what you noticed
- Show or tell a grown-up what you noticed while we explored use a new story word. An adult may enter the child's words.
- Try it again: Choose an unfamiliar word from a read-aloud and use it while playing. Tell your grown-up which part was fun or surprising.
- Draw, point, move, or talk to show what you learned about use a new story word. Adults can record an observation instead of requiring writing.
Five optional ways to revisit this week
Choose a few minutes on any days that suit your child; these are ideas, not mandatory daily assignments.
- Day 1 · Discover: Choose an unfamiliar word from a read-aloud and use it while playing. What did the child notice about use a new story word? A parent may record their spoken answer.
- Day 2 · Repeat: Repeat use a new story word together slowly. Encourage the child to choose the materials or lead the play. Describe how the child participated in use a new story word today.
- Day 3 · Change it: Explore use a new story word again in a different place or with another set of safe materials. What changed when you tried the activity differently?
- Day 4 · Pretend: Invite the child to explain or act out use a new story word for a toy animal or family member. Which part could the child explain, show, or imitate?
- Day 5 · Celebrate: Let the child choose one favorite part of use a new story word to repeat, draw or talk about. What is one skill, observation, or question to remember next time?
Family play extension
Family play extension: Choose an unfamiliar word from a read-aloud and use it while playing. Take a picture or save a drawing if your family wishes. This week's theme is learning together.
Reflect and grow
What did you enjoy or notice about use a new story word? Let your grown-up write down your answer if you prefer to speak.