Fall is here, and the leaves are changing colours—it’s a perfect time to get outside with your little ones! As you collect leaves together, you can use this opportunity to help your child build important language skills. A simple and fun way to do this is by teaching them to compare and contrast the leaves you find.
Why Compare and Contrast?
When you help your child compare two things, like leaves, you're giving them tools to grow their vocabulary and thinking skills. They’ll learn to:
- Use new words (like stem, vein, and leaflet).
- Describe objects using words like smooth, crunchy, bigger, or smaller.
- Talk about how things are the same or different.
- Practice two-way conversations with you.
These skills will help your child as they get ready for school. Comparing and contrasting helps them with reading, math, and even science!
Let’s Compare Leaves!
Autumn leaves are perfect for comparing. Here’s how to get started:
- Name the group: “These are maple leaves. These are oak leaves.”
- Point out parts: “This leaf has a long stem and big veins.”
- Find similarities: “Both of these leaves are red.” “These two leaves are crunchy.”
- Talk about differences: “This leaf is small, but this one is much bigger!” “This leaf is smooth, but that one is jagged.”
- Use comparison words: “This is the biggest leaf. That one is smaller.”
You can do this with all kinds of things in your yard or park—acorns, rocks, or flowers. It’s a fun way to build their language skills while playing outdoors.
Make It Easy and Fun
Even the youngest children can join in! Here are a few ways to try it at home:
- Compare two toys: “This block is big, but that one is small.”
- Talk about clothes: “This jacket is warm, but that sweater is soft.”
- Compare snacks: “These crackers are salty, but the apple is sweet.”
By repeating these activities, your child will start using more descriptive words and making comparisons all on their own. Keep it playful, and don’t worry if they don’t get it right away!
Keep an Eye on Communication Development
If you want to check if your child is hitting their speech and language milestones, use the First Words Communication Checkup tool. It’s a quick and easy way to see if everything is on track. Visit our website for more details!
Enjoy this fall season, and have fun comparing leaves with your child!
Learn more:
- Visit the First Words website at www.firstwords.ca.
- Follow us on Instagram at @firstwords_psl.
- If you are concerned about your child's communication development, complete our First Words Communication Checkup online screening tool. It is free, quick and easy to use. You can screen, get results and refer if needed in one single activity.
