How can I play “Who Is This?” with my child?
By Down Syndrome Digital ·
Suggested age: 24–31 months
About this activity
Activity: “Who Is This?” — a short, child-led play idea for children with Down syndrome aged 24–31 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:
• Learn to search for objects.
• Show curiosity and eagerness to explore.
• Develop fine visual memory and motor skills.
• Discover new words.
• Imitate movements and words.
• Emotionally connect with the content of the book.
• Learn to point to pictures in the book and name them with words or gestures.
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 next to your little one
Open a lift-the-flap book together. Point to the first picture that is hiding under the flap. Tap the flap with your finger. Ask: "Who's there?". Help your child open the flap. When it opens, say: "It's an owl!". Say: "The owl hoots: Hoo! Hoo!" (Clap your hands like wings). Ask your child: "Show me how the owl hoots!".
2. Open the next flap
Say: "Look, who's there?". When your child opens it, say: "It's a train! Choo-choo!" (Move your fists like a train). Ask: "Show me how the train goes!".
3. Point to one more flap
Say: "Who's there? Look!". When your child opens it, say: "It's a cow! Mooooo!" (Make horns with your index fingers). Ask: "Show me how the cow moos!". Watch the book to the end. Praise your child: "You named everyone. Good job!". Give your little one time to turn the pages and look at the book by themself.
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.