How can I play “Tale Time” with my child?
By Down Syndrome Digital ·
Suggested age: 24–35 months
About this activity
Activity: Tale Time — a short, child-led play idea for children with Down syndrome aged 24–35 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 with interest when a grown‑up reads using different sounds and voices.
• Understand simple questions with “who” and “where.
• Point to simple pictures and name what’s on them.
• Look through pages and study the pictures closely.
• Build short phrases of two to three words.
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
You’ll need your child’s favorite book (with pictures) that you’ve read and looked at together so they know the characters. Show your child two books and say: “Let’s read a story together” (show the gesture for “reading”). Point to the book about the bear (or another character your child loves) and wait for their reaction. If your child is good at choosing between two, you can ask them to find the book on a shelf where three or four books are placed.
2. Get comfortable on the couch or the floor
Read expressively, using different voices, and pause often. Point out the main characters and their actions together: “Show me where … is. What is he/she doing?” Ask your child to turn the page when you finish reading it.
3. After finishing the story, ask your child questions about what the characters did
For example: “Who ran?” / “Who ate it?” / “Who hid?” Ask follow-up questions about where the characters are: “Where did they run to?” / “Where are they hiding?” / “Where is it lying?” Each time, wait for your child’s answer and then add clarification. Emphasize prepositions in your speech: “That’s right, the bunny is hiding IN the house.” Use gestures while telling the story together.
4. After telling the story from the book, be sure to praise your child
Ask them to put the book in its usual place and say thank you.
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.