How can I play “Read and Point” with my child?
By Down Syndrome Digital ·
Suggested age: 21–25 months
About this activity
Activity: Read and Point — a short, child-led play idea for children with Down syndrome aged 21–25 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:
• Get acquainted with new words — verbs.
• Learn to answer the question “what is (he/she) doing”.
• Use gestures and simple words.
• Become familiar with a simple list of daily events.
• Learn to give a book to an adult to have it read to them.
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. Place two books in front of your child
Ask, "Which book shall we read — the kitty one or the puppy one?" After your child picks, say, "We'll read about the kitty. Meow‑meow. Give your grown-up the book.
2. Open the book and ask, "Show the kitty
Pat the kitty." Say, "Let's see what this pretty kitty is doing." Tell the story: "Once there was a kitty. He was sleeping. Bye‑bye." (use a sleepy gesture). Ask, "How is the kitty sleeping? Show me." Then say, "Now the kitty woke up." (stretch your arms up). Ask, "What did the kitty do? How did he stretch? Show me.
3. Try this together
Point to the next picture and name it: "The kitty is washing with his paw." (show the washing motion). Ask, "What is the kitty doing? How does he wash?" Then ask, "What is he doing now? Yum‑yum." Confirm, "Yes, the kitty drinks milk and eats fish." Show the next scene: "The kitty is playing. Show where he plays with the ball, where he plays with the mouse, and where he plays with the butterfly.
4. Name the last scene: "The kitty is tired
What does he do? Yes, he lies down to sleep. Bye‑bye." Let your child look through the book on their own. Then put the book away together.
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.