How can I play “Photo Memories” with my child?
By Down Syndrome Digital ·
Suggested age: 24–31 months
About this activity
Activity: Photo Memories — 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:
• Answer an adult’s questions in any way possible.
• With an adult’s help, start using simple phrases with words or a word and a gesture, for example: “Mom is sitting.”, “I am eating.”.
• Practice answering “I” when someone asks about them.
• Practice understanding longer sentences, using the picture to catch the meaning.
• Look closely at pictures and photos, recognizing not only close people but also different objects.
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. Prepare a photo album or a folder with pictures of family members doing everyday things
Sit with your child on the couch. Show the first photo. Start the story: “Look. Here are Mom and Grandma. Mom has pretty shoes and a handbag. Grandma has glasses and a pretty cardigan. Mom and Grandma are sitting on a bench in the park. They came for a celebration. Look, there are flowers and balloons in the park.
2. Try this together
Then ask your child questions: “Now you tell me what you see?” Use different prompts—let your little one answer “where” and “what kind,” and also name the person and their action: “Who is this? What are they doing?” Let your child answer in whatever way they can—a gesture or a word. Help them build a sentence—for example, “Grandma is sitting (in the park).” If the photo includes your child, ask “Who is this?”—let them answer “me,” pointing to themselves with an open hand.
3. Look through two or three photos this way
Then praise your child and ask them to put the album back on the bookshelf. Keep it where your child can reach it, just like the books. Don’t forget to add new, story-rich photos with close family and your child. Invite them to look through the album on their own.
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.