How can I play “Give and Take” with my child?
By Down Syndrome Digital ·
Suggested age: 24–31 months
About this activity
Activity: Give and Take — 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:
• Copy a grown‑up’s actions.
• Use the gestures “here” and “give,” and say “here” and “give” in different situations.
• Watch how other children play.
• Imitate other children during play.
• Tell “my” toys from “others’” toys and show feelings when playing with kids.
• Start to manage behavior with a grown‑up’s support.
• Notice other children’s emotions and look to the grown‑up’s reactions in tricky moments.
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. Try this together
Pack a small backpack together with a few toys: a ball, a couple of toy cars, and sand toys. Draw your child’s attention to the other kids at the playground: “Look, John is playing with the ball. Mary is making sand cakes. Let’s play with them.” Set up near the other children, take out a toy, and start playing. Let your child play independently and move around the playground at a safe distance from you.
2. Watch the children’s reactions
As soon as you notice they’re interested in each other’s toys, speak to the other child and offer a toy: “Do you want to play with the car?” Extend your hand with the toy: “Here’s the car.” Give the toy.
3. Try this together
![Illustration for “Give and Take”, step 3: Prompt your child: “Let’s ask John for the ball.” Help your child make the request to the other child: “[Name], ask like this—‘John, give the ball.’” Add the “give” gesture: extend your hand and mov](/assets/parent-activities/lesson-281-step-3.webp)
Prompt your child: “Let’s ask John for the ball.” Help your child make the request to the other child: “[Name], ask like this—‘John, give the ball.’” Add the “give” gesture: extend your hand and move your palm toward yourself. Wait for your child to copy the gesture and the word.
4. Help the children exchange toys
If a child doesn’t want to give up the toy they’re playing with, offer a spare car or another extra toy. Explain that they’re playing together and that at the end everyone takes their own toys back. At the end of your outing, invite your child to pack up and do a “check”: “Look—here’s our ball, bucket, shovel, two cars. Everything is here!
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.