Best for this moment
for calmer, lower-pressure moments, especially when you need something flexible indoors or outdoors.
Add a Word Game
At a glance: When your toddler says a word, you add one more — 'car' becomes 'fast car!' — gently expanding their sentences. A 10-minute, low-energy both activity for ages 18m–3y. No prep needed.
Listen for your toddler's words throughout the day. When they say something — 'car' — repeat it and add one word: 'Fast car!' or 'Red car!' When they say 'milk' — say 'More milk!' or 'Cold milk!' This technique is called recasting or expansion. You're not correcting them — you're modelling the next step. Over time, their one-word utterances naturally stretch into two-word phrases.
Parent tip
Start before you overthink it. No-prep activities work best when you begin while the moment is still recoverable.
What success looks like
A good outcome is a few minutes of engaged play, some back-and-forth with you, and a small sign of progress in focus and attention.
More help for this situation
Morning rush activities
Morning rush
Quick, zero-prep ideas for the ten minutes before you need to leave the house.
Browse quick activitiesInstructions
- Listen for your toddler's words throughout the day
- When they say a word, repeat it with enthusiasm: 'Car!'
- Then add ONE word: 'Fast car!' or 'Big car!'
- Don't ask them to repeat your version — just model it
- If they do repeat — celebrate: 'Fast car! Yes!'
- Try it at meals: 'juice' → 'apple juice!' 'more' → 'more please!'
- Aim for 5-10 expansions per day — it adds up fast
Why it helps
Recasting (expanding what a child says) is one of the strongest predictors of vocabulary growth according to language development research. Speech and Language UK specifically recommend 'building on what children say' — adding to their words rather than correcting them. It's gentle, natural, and shows children that their communication is valued AND can grow.
Variations
- If they're already using two words, add a third: 'big car' → 'big red car!'
- Try during meals: 'banana' → 'yellow banana' → 'yummy yellow banana!'
- Add a verb: 'dog' → 'dog running!'
Safety tips
- Never correct — always expand. 'Tar' for car is fine — say 'Yes! Fast car!'
- Don't pressure them to repeat your expanded version.
- Keep it natural — weave it into conversation, not a drill.
When to pause and seek extra support
Stop if your child becomes distressed, unsafe, or consistently frustrated by the activity. If play, behaviour, or development worries keep showing up across settings, check in with a qualified professional.
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