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The Story Lodge
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PLAY WITH ME

In this section, you will find simple play ideas for babies and young children (ages 0–6). These activities help build early language and literacy through talking, listening, touching, singing, moving, and sharing stories.

 

Play is learning. When your child explores with you, in the kitchen, with a book, with a drum, or out on the land, they are growing the roots of reading, writing, and speaking. You can add your own language, stories, or teachings to each activity. These are powerful gifts that help children feel proud of who they are and where they come from.

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Kitchen Treasure Basket

Play with your child by collecting items from your kitchen or around your house.

What You NeeD

A small basket or bowl. Safe kitchen items (wooden spoon, plastic bowl, measuring cups).

Optional: a cultural item like a shell, wooden utensil, or smooth stone.

READY TO PLAY

  1. Put the items in the basket.

  2. Sit with your child and let them take things out, one at a time.

  3. Let them touch, shake, bang and explore each item.

 

Talk about what they see and hear. You can say:

  •  “This spoon is smooth.”

  • “Listen, that makes a loud sound.”

  • “This is like Kokum’s bowl.”

Use your language if you can, naming shapes, objects, or textures.

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WHY IT HELPS

Builds listening, speaking, and thinking skills. Teaches words, textures, sounds, and shapes. Connects everyday life to family and culture.

Drum and Dance Play

What You NeeD

A drum or shaker, or use a pot and spoon, or a container with rice.

READY TO PLAY

  1. Use the item to tap a gentle beat together.

  2. Sing a song. You can make one up or sing a song you already know. 

  3. Let your child copy the beat, dance, or move their body.

  4. Speed up or Slow down. Try to sing the song faster or sing the song really slow. 

 

Encourage them with words like

 “Tap-tap, you’re keeping the beat!”

“Can we go slow now?”

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WHY IT HELPS

Rhythm helps children learn patterns, just like in language. Builds listening, memory, andcoordination. Sharing songs and drumming connects them to culture, land, and community.

Kitchen Treasure Basket

Play with your child by collecting items from your kitchen or around your house.

What You NeeD

A small basket or bowl. Safe kitchen items (wooden spoon, plastic bowl, measuring cups).

Optional: a cultural item like a shell, wooden utensil, or smooth stone.

PLAY WITH ME

  1. Put the items in the basket.

  2. Sit with your child and let them take things out, one at a time.

  3. Let them touch, shake, bang and explore each item.

 

Talk about what they see and hear. You can say:

  •  “This spoon is smooth.”

  • “Listen, that makes a loud sound.”

  • “This is like Kokum’s bowl.”

Use your language if you can, naming shapes, objects, or textures.

WHY IT HELPS

Builds listening, speaking, and thinking skills. Teaches words, textures, sounds, and shapes. Connects everyday life to family and culture.

Drum and Dance Play

What You NeeD

A drum or shaker, or use a pot and spoon, or a container with rice.

PLAY WITH ME

  1. Use the item to tap a gentle beat together.

  2. Sing a song. You can make one up or sing a song you already know. 

  3. Let your child copy the beat, dance, or move their body.

  4. Speed up or Slow down. Try to sing the song faster or sing the song really slow. 

 

Encourage them with words like

 “Tap-tap, you’re keeping the beat!”

“Can we go slow now?”

WHY IT HELPS

Rhythm helps children learn patterns, just like in language. Builds listening, memory, andcoordination. Sharing songs and drumming connects them to culture, land, and community.

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AdobeStock_203329797_edited.png

Kitchen Treasure Basket

Play with your child by collecting items from your kitchen or around your house.

What You NeeD

A small basket or bowl. Safe kitchen items (wooden spoon, plastic bowl, measuring cups).

Optional: a cultural item like a shell, wooden utensil, or smooth stone.

READY TO PLAY

  1. Put the items in the basket.

  2. Sit with your child and let them take things out, one at a time.

  3. Let them touch, shake, bang and explore each item.

 

Talk about what they see and hear. You can say:

  •  “This spoon is smooth.”

  • “Listen, that makes a loud sound.”

  • “This is like Kokum’s bowl.”

Use your language if you can, naming shapes, objects, or textures.

Asset 25_4x.png

WHY IT HELPS

Builds listening, speaking, and thinking skills. Teaches words, textures, sounds, and shapes. Connects everyday life to family and culture.

Drum and Dance Play

What You NeeD

A drum or shaker, or use a pot and spoon, or a container with rice.

PLAY WITH ME

  1. Use the item to tap a gentle beat together.

  2. Sing a song. You can make one up or sing a song you already know. 

  3. Let your child copy the beat, dance, or move their body.

  4. Speed up or Slow down. Try to sing the song faster or sing the song really slow. 

 

Encourage them with words like

 “Tap-tap, you’re keeping the beat!”

“Can we go slow now?”

WHY IT HELPS

Rhythm helps children learn patterns, just like in language. Builds listening, memory, andcoordination. Sharing songs and drumming connects them to culture, land, and community.

drum and Dance Play

What You NeeD

A drum or shaker, or use a pot and spoon, or a container with rice.

READY TO PLAY

  1. Use the item to tap a gentle beat together.

  2. Sing a song. You can make one up or sing a song you already know. 

  3. Let your child copy the beat, dance, or move their body.

  4. Speed up or Slow down. Try to sing the song faster or sing the song really slow. 

 

Encourage them with words like

 “Tap-tap, you’re keeping the beat!”

“Can we go slow now?”

Asset 24_4x.png

WHY IT HELPS

Builds listening, speaking, and thinking skills. Teaches words, textures, sounds, and shapes. Connects everyday life to family and culture.

Drum and Dance Play

What You NeeD

A drum or shaker, or use a pot and spoon, or a container with rice.

PLAY WITH ME

  1. Use the item to tap a gentle beat together.

  2. Sing a song. You can make one up or sing a song you already know. 

  3. Let your child copy the beat, dance, or move their body.

  4. Speed up or Slow down. Try to sing the song faster or sing the song really slow. 

 

Encourage them with words like

 “Tap-tap, you’re keeping the beat!”

“Can we go slow now?”

WHY IT HELPS

Rhythm helps children learn patterns, just like in language. Builds listening, memory, andcoordination. Sharing songs and drumming connects them to culture, land, and community.

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