Things to Do While You’re Waiting: Language and Literacy

You’re running errands with your children and suddenly you’re stuck—in traffic, at the clinic, in the checkout line. Many parents find that playful learning activities can help reduce children’s impatience when they have to wait. You can help your child get ready to read while you’re on the move!

Talk and listen.

While you wait, try asking your child, “What are you thinking?” They will be glad to know you care about what they think and do.
Create a story together. One of you starts it with a sentence or a few lines. Then everyone else takes turns adding a sentence or a few lines until “The End.” Try retelling a favorite story or reciting a favorite poem together. Keep in mind that correcting a child’s speech too often may make them want to stop talking to you. It’s important to pay attention to the ideas your child tries to express. If people around the child use language correctly, they will learn to do so, too.

Sing and rhyme.

Look for song lyrics and poems with lots of repetition, like Old McDonald Had a Farm. These can help your child learn sounds and language patterns.
Try writing the alphabet on a piece of paper so your child can follow along as you sing the Alphabet Song together.

Look for messages around you.

Help your child identify the letters, words, numerals, or symbols you see. Children quickly learn to recognize road signs and logos of companies and sports teams.
When your child knows some letters, numerals, and symbols, try playing “I Spy.” Take turns finding print and symbols around you: “I spy the letter M as in m-m-macaroni. Can you find it, too?” “I spy the Chicago Bulls logo. Can you find it, too?”

Write it down.

Brainstorm lists with your child. Write down a list of books you want to read, foods you need to buy, or things you see around you.
Let your child make up a story while you write down their words. They can draw pictures to go with it. Your child can dictate a letter or text message to a relative or friend.

Bring a book.

Tuck two or three small children’s books into your purse, backpack, or diaper bag, or keep some favorites on your device. Children prone to motion sickness should not look at books in a moving vehicle.
Whenever you can, stop at the library when you run errands with your child.

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