Did you know that looking at family photos is a powerful way to boost your toddler’s language development and memory skills?
This simple activity, called “Who’s That?”, helps toddlers connect words to familiar people while practicing communication, recognition, and social awareness — all through play.
Did you know that looking at family photos is a powerful way to boost your toddler’s language development and memory skills?
This simple activity, called “Who’s That?”, helps toddlers connect words to familiar people while practicing communication, recognition, and social awareness — all through play.
💛 Why “Who’s That?” Works
Toddlers are naturally drawn to faces — especially the people they love. This activity uses that natural curiosity to build important early skills:
- Memory — Recognizing and recalling familiar faces
- Language development — Learning names, labels, and connection words (“Mama,” “Grandpa,” “Doggy”)
- Cognitive skills — Following simple questions and responding with sounds, gestures, or words
🧠 What Your Toddler Is Learning
- Cognitive Skills — Understands simple questions like “Who’s that?” and searches for the answer.
- Language Development — Builds vocabulary related to family and familiar people.
- Fine Motor Skills — Pointing, tapping, or touching the photo helps strengthen finger control and hand-eye coordination.
- Social-Emotional Growth — Builds a sense of belonging and connection.
🧺 What You’ll Need
- Printed family photos (can include pets, friends, or caregivers)
- A photo album, mini book, or even photos on your phone
- Optional: Combine with a DIY Face Book for extended play
👉 How to Play “Who’s That?”
- Sit with your toddler and open the photo album or point to a photo.
- Ask: “Who’s that?”
- Pause. Give your child time to respond — even if it’s with a smile, sound, point, or glance.
- If they don’t respond, model it: “That’s Grandma!” and repeat the name.
- Celebrate any attempts — claps, sounds, gestures — it’s all communication!
💡 Over time, you’ll see your toddler begin to say names, make sounds, or point more confidently.
🔄 Ways to Extend the Play
- Turn it into a game of “Find Grandma” — “Where’s Grandma? Can you point?”
- Combine with a mirror: “Where’s Mama in the photo? Where’s Mama in the mirror?”
- Add movement: Wave to each person in the picture or blow them kisses.
- Use photos to prep for visits or FaceTime calls with family.
🌟 Why This Supports Early Talking
Simple back-and-forth games like “Who’s That?” teach your toddler that communication is two-way. They learn to listen, process a question, and respond — which is exactly how real conversations work.
This builds the foundation for not only learning words but also understanding the rhythm of communication.
💬 Share Your Playtime
Are you trying this with your toddler? I’d love to see your little one recognizing their favorite people! Tag @KidActivitiesWithAlexa or use #HomePlayCurriculum to share the joy.
💛 Why “Who’s That?” Works
Toddlers are naturally drawn to faces — especially the people they love. This activity uses that natural curiosity to build important early skills:
- Memory — Recognizing and recalling familiar faces
- Language development — Learning names, labels, and connection words (“Mama,” “Grandpa,” “Doggy”)
- Cognitive skills — Following simple questions and responding with sounds, gestures, or words
🧠 What Your Toddler Is Learning
- Cognitive Skills — Understands simple questions like “Who’s that?” and searches for the answer.
- Language Development — Builds vocabulary related to family and familiar people.
- Fine Motor Skills — Pointing, tapping, or touching the photo helps strengthen finger control and hand-eye coordination.
- Social-Emotional Growth — Builds a sense of belonging and connection.
🧺 What You’ll Need
- Printed family photos (can include pets, friends, or caregivers)
- A photo album, mini book, or even photos on your phone
- Optional: Combine with a DIY Face Book for extended play
👉 How to Play “Who’s That?”
- Sit with your toddler and open the photo album or point to a photo.
- Ask: “Who’s that?”
- Pause. Give your child time to respond — even if it’s with a smile, sound, point, or glance.
- If they don’t respond, model it: “That’s Grandma!” and repeat the name.
- Celebrate any attempts — claps, sounds, gestures — it’s all communication!
💡 Over time, you’ll see your toddler begin to say names, make sounds, or point more confidently.
🔄 Ways to Extend the Play
- Turn it into a game of “Find Grandma” — “Where’s Grandma? Can you point?”
- Combine with a mirror: “Where’s Mama in the photo? Where’s Mama in the mirror?”
- Add movement: Wave to each person in the picture or blow them kisses.
- Use photos to prep for visits or FaceTime calls with family.
🌟 Why This Supports Early Talking
Simple back-and-forth games like “Who’s That?” teach your toddler that communication is two-way. They learn to listen, process a question, and respond — which is exactly how real conversations work.
This builds the foundation for not only learning words but also understanding the rhythm of communication.
💬 Share Your Playtime
Are you trying this with your toddler? I’d love to see your little one recognizing their favorite people! Tag @KidActivitiesWithAlexa or use #HomePlayCurriculum to share the joy.