How can I play “Favorite Fairy Tale Again” with my child?
By Down Syndrome Digital ·
Suggested age: 17–22 months
About this activity
Activity: Favorite Fairy Tale Again — 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:
• Listen and understand a short story.
• Follow the plot.
• Turn sturdy pages.
• Help describe the story.
• Answer questions in the way you can.
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. Tell the child you’re going to read a book
Ask them to choose: “Which book shall we read?” Comment on their choice: “Okay, we’ll read about…
2. Sit together on a couch or chair
Open the book and begin telling the story. Show each picture and say a phrase matching it, like: “Bear is driving a car—beep-beep, vroom.” (steering gesture)
3. Ask the child: “Show me where Bear is driving.” Then: “What’s Bear doing
How is Bear driving?” Wait for their answer and repeat it in your own words with a gesture.
4. Keep going
Turn each page partway and let the child finish turning it. Describe the next picture. Ask: “Who’s this? What are they doing? What happened?” Comment on the child’s response.
5. Keep describing the story, pausing to let the child point to pictures or answer questions
When done reading, close the book and say: “All finished, the book is over.” Follow the child’s lead: read again with you, or let them look alone. If they’ve lost interest, put the book away.
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.