How can I play “The house fell down—crash” with my child?
By Down Syndrome Digital ·
Suggested age: 9–14 months
About this activity
Activity: The house fell down—crash. a short, child-led play idea for children with Down syndrome aged 9–14 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:
• Sit and play with the adult.
• Watch what they do.
• Act on the cue “bang!
• See the result of your actions and guess what will happen next.
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. Sit with your baby, facing each other
Have a box of silicone or rubber blocks nearby. Take one out: “This is a block!” Let your baby explore it: “Here you go!
2. Try this together
Grab some blocks and build a three-block tower: “Look at this house!” (make a little “house” gesture).
3. Ask your baby for the block: “Hand it to me!” (Show them a gesture.)
Ask your baby for the block: “Hand it to me!” (Show them a gesture.)
4. Put this block on top of the tower: “What a tall house!” (make a “big” gesture)
Put this block on top of the tower: “What a tall house!” (make a “big” gesture).
5. Push the tower so the cubes fall and clap your hands: “Boom
The house fell!
6. Build another tower of blocks: “Look at this house!” (gesture)
Build another tower of blocks: “Look at this house!” (gesture).
7. Help your little one knock over the block tower: “Boom
It fell!” (gesture). Repeat as long as they’re interested.
8. Place the blocks into the box
Place the blocks into the box.
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.