Games that are played with just you and your child can be incredibly powerful for early language development. These interactions remove the need for your child’s attention to be divided between a toy and a person, allowing communication to stay front and center.

In “just me & you” games, you’re fully in control of the activity. That means you can notice, respond to, and build on every communication attempt your child makes—whether it’s a sound, gesture, facial expression, or word.

These routines work best when they are familiar, predictable, and repeated using the same language and gestures each time.

Why These Games Help Language Grow

These simple interaction-based games:

Support connection and shared attention
Create clear opportunities for communication
Reduce pressure to “use words”
Help children learn the meaning of words through action

They are especially helpful for children with emerging language, gestalt language processors, and children who learn best through movement and repetition.

At Hart Therapy services, we utilize these activities to help build language in natural and motivating ways. Families who value connection and building language from child’s strengths are a good fit for evaluations and therapy with our speech language pathologists. Schedule a consultation for speech therapy here.

Examples of “Just Me & You” Games

Spinning

Hold your child securely and spin gently.

Start here:
Model words like more, go, fast, slow, stop, hold, woaaahhh

Phrases to use:
“Make it go fast!”, “Let’s do it again!”

Bouncing on Your Lap

Sit on the floor or bed with your child facing you.

Start here:
Model words like up, down, more, again, go, fast, slow, stop, hold, woaaahhh

Phrases to use:
“Make it go fast!”, “Let’s do it again!”

Flying Games

(Gently tossing your child onto a couch or bed)

Start here:
Model single words or short combinations like go, up, woah, ahhhh, bye, down

Phrases to use:
“See ya later!”, “Get out of here!”

Peek-a-Boo

Cover your face with your hands or a blanket.

Start here:
Model words like open, ahhh, bye

Phrases to use:
“Where’d you go?”, “I can’t find you!”

Repeat the game using the same words, gestures, and timing to build familiarity.

How to Encourage Participation

Once your child is familiar with the game:

Pause and wait to see if they fill in a word
Watch for requests for “more”
Acknowledge all communication attempts

Example:
Child: “mmmm” (hands together)
Caregiver: models sign for more
“‘Mmmm’—you want more!”

Follow through with your child’s request as quickly as possible so they see that communication is powerful.

A Final Tip

Begin by acknowledging any attempt your child makes to communicate. Then model a word, gesture, or short phrase they could use next time. Repeat the routine again later, pausing to give them another chance to join in.

Simple, playful interactions like these can create meaningful opportunities for language growth—right in the middle of everyday moments.

Just me & You Games