How can I play “Who came to visit us? Let’s name the little animals” with my child?
By Down Syndrome Digital ·
Suggested age: 12–18 months
About this activity
Activity: Who came to visit us? Let’s name the little animals. a short, child-led play idea for children with Down syndrome aged 12–18 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:
• Name toys in your own way—with gestures or fun sounds.
• Match the grown-up’s words to each toy.
• Say hi and bye-bye.
• Understand the adult’s words.
• Play a little scene: someone arrives, you name them, say goodbye, they leave.
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 at the table facing your baby
Put a little screen in front of them; cardboard or a fold-out book works fine.
2. Try this together
Draw attention to the puppet stage and knock: “Who came to visit?” Take out toys one by one—kitty, doggy, piggy, mouse, hen.
3. Try this together
Show your baby a toy cat: “Look who’s here—meow!” Ask: “How does the kitty sound?” Wait for their response, then repeat: “Yes, the kitty says meow.
4. Suggest: “Wave to the kitty: bye-bye!” Then hide the kitty behind the screen: “No kitty
Suggest: “Wave to the kitty: bye-bye!” Then hide the kitty behind the screen: “No kitty!
5. Try this together
Tap on the table until your child looks at the little screen or curtain: “Who’s come to see us? The doggy! How does doggy go?” Suggest: “Wave to doggy! Bye-bye!
6. Try this together
Repeat these steps with other characters: “Piggy goes oink-oink,” “Hen goes cluck-cluck,” “Mouse goes squeak-squeak.
7. Give your child a box of toys so they can play on their own
Give your child a box of toys so they can play 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.