How can I play “Play Together” with my child?
By Down Syndrome Digital ·
Suggested age: 21–25 months
About this activity
Activity: Play Together — 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 different sounds and ways of producing them.
• Use gestures and movements to represent musical toys.
• Accompany a melody with their own play.
• Coordinate movements to produce sounds to music.
• Experiment with sounds and create their own melodies.
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. You will need a box of toy musical instruments
Sit facing your baby and take the drum out of the box. Say, "This is a drum. Bang‑bang‑bang!". Give the drum to your baby. Say, "Play it! Bang‑bang‑bang!". Show how to tap the table or your knees with your hands. Praise your baby and clap: "You played so well! Bang‑bang‑bang!".
2. Take the musical hammer out of the box
Say, "This is a hammer. Knock‑knock‑knock!". Give the hammer to your baby. Say, "Play it! Knock‑knock‑knock!". Show how to tap the surface with your fist. Praise your baby and clap: "You played so well! Knock‑knock‑knock!".
3. Take the bell out of the box
Say, "This is a bell. Ding‑ding‑ding!". Give the bell to your baby. Say, "Play it! Ding‑ding‑ding!". Show the motion of shaking your hand like ringing a bell. Praise your baby and clap: "You played so well! Ding‑ding‑ding!".
4. Now let’s play together!"
Line up all the toys in a row. Ask, "Which one do you want to play?". Wait for your child to choose with a gesture, word, or sound. Comment on the choice: "your child will play the drum. Bang‑bang‑bang!". Take another instrument for yourself and say, "your grown-up will play the hammer. Knock‑knock‑knock!". Play happy music or sing a song while you play the instruments. Clap your hands: "We played so well!". If your child wants to keep going, ask, "What will you play now?". When you finish, say, "Game over. Let’s put the toys back in 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.