Quarantine Language Building
Around the Neighborhood:
-Emotions: From a safe distance, greet people or animals that you see on a neighborhood walk. Have them identify the facial reactions and body language of the other person/animal. Discuss how the other person may be feeling.
-Scavenger Hunt: Compile a list or seek as you go. Have your child name the item and try to describe 1 thing about it. Build on their language by adding more descriptions.
-Walk and Talk: Have your child select a topic. Encourage them to keep talking about the topic throughout your walk and turn-taking skills.
-Chalk the Walk: Take chalk on your walk and leave messages on the sidewalk. Leave notes in chalk on your driveway for other passersby to read, leaving a container of chalk outside for others to use when responding. You can also leave a message on the driveway of friends or family members, and encourage them to write back.
Mail/e-mail:
-Letters: Write a letter, draw a picture or share a postcard to send to friends, family members, Kupuna or frontline workers.
-Pen pals: Pick a friend or relative to exchange letters or drawings with.
Technology:
-Virtual Playdates: Use your favorite videoconferencing platforms such as FaceTime, Zoom, Skype or Google Hangouts to allow your child to see family members or friends. Encourage communication between both parties, or simply have them play with their toys. Try a virtual Show and Tell!
-Goodnight Stories: Video-chat a friend or relative and have them read a bedtime story to your child. They can also ask your child to label and describe what they see, point to items that are named, and predict what may happen next. YouTube also has a variety of children's read aloud books as well.
-iSpy: Play a virtual game of iSpy with a friend or family member, taking turns along the way.
-Photo Share: Share photos with a friend or relative on video-chat or text, and have your child describe the photo to the other person & vice versa.