Key Messages 1. Have fun playing together! 2. Babies and children need to play - it’s how they learn

about our world. 3. Talk with your baby or child while you play - it will help

them learn to talk to you. 4. Watch and listen to your baby or child - let them lead the

play. 5. Don’t worry if your baby or child only plays for a short

time, it will still have been a positive experience.

Watch out for….. 1. Always keep a careful eye on your child. 2. Create a safe place for your child to play (e.g.

check regularly for broken toys, sharp edges and small objects that can be swallowed).

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If you would like more copies of this leaflet, want more information, or would like a copy of any of the another

leaflets in this series, please contact Somer Valley Children’s Services on 01225 396660.

This leaflet can be made available in a range of

languages, in large print, Braille, on tape, electronic and accessible formats from

Tel: 0800 073 1214 or Textphone: 07980 998906

Books and Stories

Somer Valley Children's Centre Services

Play Ideas

working together for health & well-being

What can I use? • Picture books

• Familiar story books

• Factual books

• Story CDs and tapes

• Hands puppets

• Props and toys linked to the story

• Access your local library to borrow books, CDs and tapes

• Dressing up clothes and accessories

Why share stories?

• It’s a good way of helping your child learn to talk, listen and take turns

• Sharing favourite books again and again helps children to remember language

• Sharing books can stimulate brain development

• Babies love to hear their parent’s voices

Talking together... • Find a quiet place & turn off the TV

• Talk about the pictures, as well as reading the story

• Ask questions about the story and give your child time to respond

• Keep the stories short

• Allow you child to take the lead

• Link stories to outings i.e. farms, parks and zoo trips

• Use different voices, and sounds

Playing together…

• Access your local library for story time sessions as well as borrowing books

• Story CD’s and tapes

• Use hand puppets to act out the story

• Use cars, dolls, teddies, soft toys and dressing up clothes to extend your stories

• Have fun!

Books & Stories