Why is it important?

Following the child’s lead means letting the child choose the activity and letting the child play with it in their own way. Children naturally have a need to explore and discover new things, being led by the child can lead to exciting adventures.

By following your child's lead:

• It shows the child you are interested in them
• It helps the child concentrate because they are playing with something that interests them
• It encourages them to talk
• It develops their understanding because what you say will be more relevant

Stop

• Stop what you are doing so that you can focus on the child.
• Let the child lead the play and choose what they would like to do

Look

• Look at what the child is doing.
• Listen to things the child tries to say.
• Think about what the child would like to be able to say.
•  This will make your responses more relevant and appropriate.

Respond

• Explain: describe what the child is doing or looking at, say something short and simple that you think the child would like to be able to say.
• Repeat: repeat back what the child says using the words and sentence.
• Expand: repeat what the child says but add 1 or 2 words

For more information about how to follow your child's lead click the link on the sidebar.