Block 2: Working Memory

Context: mealtime​

Setting: kitchen table​

Materials: a spoon and different types of objects that make noise​

Action:​

1. Set up the table with different types of objects that make different sounds (e.g., a big pot, a plastic cup, and a bottle)​

2. Demonstrate a sequence of sounds (e.g., use your hand or a spoon to tap a pot and then tap a plastic cup)​

3. Ask to your child to recreate the same sequence of sounds

Context: leaving or arriving​

Setting: any location​

Materials: none​

Action:​

1. Teach your child a new way to greet people using a sequence of gestures (e.g., greet a family member by giving a high five and a kiss on the cheek).​

2. Ask your child to copy the gestures.

Context: morning or evening routine​

Setting: bedroom​

Materials: general home items​

Action:​

1. Ask your child to do 2 things in order (e.g., 1) put clothes in the hamper and 2) get a towel for bath time; or 1) choose a shirt to wear today and 2) bring it to the bed to get dressed)​

2. After giving instructions, say, “Ok, go!”

Context: bath time, playtime​

Setting: bathroom, play area​

Materials: 2 plastic cups, 1 plastic toy that your child likes (e.g., toy pig, car)​

Action:​

1. Face your child and place both cups upside down on the edge of the tub or table ​

2. Hold up the first toy for your child to see and then hide it under one of the cups and say, "She's hiding!"​

3. Wait 1 – 3 seconds; then make an exaggerated shrugging gesture and say, "Where is <toy name>?"

Context: bedtime​

Setting: bedroom or living room​

Materials: pillows (one for each person)​

Action:​

1. Have each person sit with a pillow on their lap (siblings can join in!)​

2. Say, “Time to play drums! I'll play one, then you play one!" ​

3. Hit the pillow 2 times and then ask your child to repeat the sounds​

4. Say, “Great job! Let's do it again. Follow me!”