A smiling adult holding a smiling child

Tip 7


Tip 7: 'Play talking tennis with me'

  • Say something to me and then give me lots of time to respond.
  • It helps to count to 10 in your head before speaking again. This how I learn to take turns.
  • When I’m a baby I still like to play talking tennis. Watch out for my smiles, sounds and looks. This is my way of talking to you. As I get older, I will start to use words.
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Play talking tennis with me.

Say something to me and then give me lots of time to respond. It helps to count to 10 in your head before speaking again. This how I learn to take turns.

When I’m a baby I still like to play talking tennis. Watch out for my smiles, sounds and looks. This is my way of talking to you. As I get older, I will start to use words.

BBC Tiny Happy People Clips

Tiny Happy People is a venture designed to tackle the language and communication gap launched by the BBC. The campaign includes a suite of free digital resources aimed at families and professionals working with children in the early years and comprises tips and advice, activities and short films to help close the language and communication gap. Below are a number of 90 second clips developed by BBC Tiny Happy People which illustrate Tip 7 for different people and ages of children.

Tip 7 - Best clips overall

Babble with me (external website)

Can you imagine? Using imagination and conversation (external website)

Talking with bubbles 1 (external website)

Tip 7 - Best clip for babies

Start the conversation (external website)

Tip 7 - Best clip for toddlers

Talking with bubbles 2 (external website)

Tip 7 - Best clip for young children

Copycat and taking turns (external website)

Tip 7 - Best clip for dads

Night night teddy and Dad (external website)

Tip 7 - Best clip for ethnic minority families

Making up stories with Mum (external website)