will help your toddler learn how to contribute to conversations (DE 2010: 11, NHS 2011) . Try listening games such as: Clapping games, where you clap a pattern, and then wait for your toddler to try to clap the same pattern. Choosing the correct picture or animal toy when you make an animal noise. For example, you say "moo" and wait for your toddler to pick out a toy cow. Gathering together several toys that make noises, and making a sound with one of them out of your toddler's sight. Your toddler then has to decide which toy it was that made the noise. (DE 2010: 12) You could also try a game of '"Simon says". Call out simple commands like "Simon says, put your hands on your head" and demonstrate the command yourself. Then let your toddler do the same. Carry on with other commands, such as "Simon says put your hands on your knees", or "Simon says cross your arms." And when the weather's warm , take a big towel or blanket into the garden or local park and lie down on it with your toddler. Ask her to close her eyes and listen carefully. After a minute or so ask her what she could hear. You can then talk about the wind in the trees, birdsong, or a dog barking. This internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your own health or the