How can I play “Roll Teddy and Bunny Around” with my child?
By Down Syndrome Digital ·
Suggested age: 17–22 months
About this activity
Activity: Roll Teddy and Bunny Around — a short, child-led play idea for children with Down syndrome aged 17–22 months. Follow your child’s cues and enjoy the activity at their pace.
These steps are invitations to play, not therapy or a milestone test. Choose a comfortable, stable position, supervise closely, and pause whenever your child needs a break.
What can this activity invite?
This activity may offer opportunities to notice:
• Act out a simple story in play.
• Choose which toy you want.
• Answer “What’s this?” or “Who is it?
• Answer “What’s it doing?” in your own way.
• Play together with an adult.
• Use social gestures like pointing or waving goodbye.
What do I need for this activity?
A comfortable, stable place to play and the familiar items named in the steps. Choose materials made for your child’s age and ability; keep small parts, loose strings, plastic bags, and balloons away from babies and young children.
How do I play this activity?
1. Sit on the floor with your child
Take a toy car from the box: “What is this?” "Confirm and comment on your child’s response with something like: “Yes, that’s a car—beep beep! The car’s moving, brrr!” (make a ‘steering’ gesture)
2. Try this together
Take a teddy bear from the box: “Who came to visit?” Confirm: “Yes, it’s a teddy bear, oh-oh.” Take a bunny: “Who’s this? Yes, a bunny, hop-hop.
3. Try this together
Ask the child: “Who should ride in the car?” When they choose, confirm: “Let’s give Bear (or Bunny) a ride.
4. Try this together
Help the child put the toy in the car: “Drive Bear (or Bunny).” Ask: “What is Bunny doing?” Confirm: “Yes, Bunny is driving, vroom” (gesture).
5. Try this together
Tell the child: “Bunny went for a ride and says thank you.” (Bow the toy as if it’s saying thanks.) Announce: “Bunny is leaving now. Bye-bye, wave to Bunny.
6. Ask: “Who will go for a ride next?” Repeat all steps with the second toy
"Let the child play independently with the toys, then put them in the box. Say the game is finished and store the box.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need to finish every step?
No. Follow your child’s interest and stop whenever they need a break. There is no correct pace or required outcome.
What if my child is not interested today?
That is okay. Pause, try another activity, or return another day. Looking away or turning away is a cue to give your child space.
How long should we play?
There is no set duration. A short, comfortable moment is enough; stop if your child seems tired, distressed, or uncomfortable.
Is this therapy or a developmental assessment?
No. This is a play invitation, not therapy, a milestone target, or an assessment. It does not replace advice from your child’s clinicians.
Can I adapt this activity for my child?
Yes. Keep it comfortable and child-led. For questions about feeding, oral-motor skills, bath safety, positioning, or movement, use guidance from your child’s own care team.