How can I share “My Body: Show and Tell” as a gentle, child-led activity?

By Down Syndrome Digital ·

Suggested age: 40–46 months

About this activity

Activity: My Body: Show and Tell — 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.

The illustrations come from the source activity. The written steps have been adapted for safer, child-led play; do not copy equipment or handling positions shown unless they are specifically recommended for your child.

What can this activity invite?

Share sounds, faces, or familiar textures without asking your child to make a particular movement.

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. Choose a comfortable position

Illustration for “My Body: Show and Tell!”, step 1: Suggest, “Let’s play Head and Shoulders!” In the tips, you will find the complete lyrics of the song.

Let your child be awake in a familiar, stable position that they manage comfortably. Stay close and keep their hands and face free to move.

2. Share a song or a mirror

Illustration for “My Body: Show and Tell!”, step 2: Now sing the next verse: Head, shoulders, eyes and ears, eyes and ears.

Sing a short rhyme, make a gentle sound, or look together in a mirror. Let your child decide whether to watch or join in.

3. Show the action on yourself

Illustration for “My Body: Show and Tell!”, step 3: In the third verse: Head, shoulders, mouth and nose, mouth and nose.

If you name a hand, foot, or face part, point to your own or the mirror’s. Do not bend, pinch, press, or move your child’s joints or face.

4. Offer a safe object to explore

Illustration for “My Body: Show and Tell!”, step 4: If your child is interested, suggest singing the first verse again: Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes.

You may offer a large, washable, age-appropriate toy within reach. Do not guide your child’s hand or place objects in their mouth.

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.