How can I play “Animal Playtime” with my child?
By Down Syndrome Digital ·
Suggested age: 40–46 months
About this activity
Activity: Animal Playtime — a short, child-led play idea for children with Down syndrome aged 40–46 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:
• Understand and follow requests with two steps.
• Engage and communicate with an adult during play.
• Explore the contents of the bag.
• Put items into a container.
• Clean up by putting toys back in their place.
• Develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
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
For this game, you will need soft toys: a bear and a bunny, and a bag that contains a hat, a cup, and a comb. Sit with your child facing each other. Say, “The little animals have come to visit: the bear and the bunny.” Show the toys one by one and ask, “Who is this?” Repeat your child's gestures, sounds, or words. State the full name: “Bear.” “Bunny.” Let your little one play with the toys independently for a bit.
2. Try this together
Take out the bag and create interest: “Look what interesting things are in there!” Let the child take out the items one at a time. Discuss each item, acknowledging their responses: Comb – “This is a comb; it’s used for styling hair.” (Gesture: run your hand through your hair) Cup – “This is a cup; you drink from it.” (Gesture: bring your hand to your mouth) Hat – “This is a hat; you put it on your head.” (Gesture: place your hands on your head) Encourage any form of response (word, sound, gesture).
3. Try this together
Say, “The bunny is thirsty.” Give the child the cup (or wait for them to ask for it) for the bunny. Praise them: “Great job giving the bunny a drink! The bunny says, ‘Thank you.’” Suggest, “Take the comb and brush the bear.” Praise: “That’s right, you brushed the bear! The bear says, ‘Thank you.’” Add, “The bunny wants to be brushed too.” Praise: “Good job, you brushed both the bear and the bunny!” Suggest, “Now take the hat and put it on the bear.” Praise: “You put the hat on the bear! Look how beautiful he is!
4. Try this together
Say, “Now you can play with the toys however you want!” Leave your child to play independently for a few minutes. Inform them, “Game time is over.” Ask, “Can you put the cup, comb, and hat back in the bag?” Together, take the toys and the bag back to their place. Be sure to praise your child for their help and participation!
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.