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Teddies aren't just some of your baby's earliest friends - they can be great for learning to take turns too, which is a key skill as children start to learn about the back and forth of conversation.
Watch the video below to see what we mean.
Pause and wait for your baby to respond during each go. This will help them begin to understand how a conversation works.
Why play serve and return games?
- Back and forth games like this one help baby learn to take turns. They're sometimes referred to as 'serve and return' games. Like in a tennis match, you 'serve' your baby some words and actions and wait for them to return these words and actions in the form of some noises or babble.
- Taking turns is a key skill in learning about conversations - it helps them get used to waiting and listening for their turn.
- Even if you're baby is only babbling, gesturing or making noises, they're learning about the back and forth rhythm of conversation.
How to play serve and return games
- Each take a turn to hold teddy, and say who is holding teddy - 'Megan's teddy / Daddy's teddy'.
- Before each go, pause and wait for your baby to respond so they understand about taking turns.
- Play over and over - the more you repeat the words and actions, the more likely your baby will learn the words in time.
Pause and wait for your baby to respond during each go. This will help them begin to understand how a conversation works.
Other serve and return games for babies
Banana phones
If you've got a banana, you've got a phone!
Try using it as a prop for a serve and return game, which doubles up as a snack after all that chatting away.
More on banana phone games
Blowing raspberries
Babies are bound to get a laugh out of a raspberry. Try blowing a raspberry and waiting for them to tell you to do it again and again.
