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Stop, Think, Decide

Look at a small everyday problem, notice what is going on, think about what could happen, and pick an idea to try.

About 6 to 12 · Problem solving: noticing a problem, thinking ahead and choosing what to do.

Pick a level

Change it any time. Every level is a good level.

Three small steps

A small problem, one step at a time.

  1. 1. StopLook at the picture. What is the problem?
  2. 2. ThinkWhat could happen if you tried each idea?
  3. 3. DecidePick an idea to try.

Answer your way. Tap it, point to it, say it, sign it, or show a card or device. Every way counts the same.

For grown-ups

Away from the screen: When a small thing goes wrong at home, say out loud: stop, think, what could we do?

The problems here are small and made up. If one sounds like a real worry, pause the game and talk about the real thing.

Easy
One small problem and two ideas to pick from.
Medium
Three ideas, and what would happen if you tried one.
Hard
Pick two ideas that work, and spot a moment with no problem.
  • Start on Easy, even if it looks too simple. Success first, then move up when your child wants to.
  • Say the lines aloud together. Hearing a phrase in a real voice is the point of the game.
  • These are common patterns, not rules. Your child's own way of talking is real talking.
  • Wait a little longer than feels natural. Quiet thinking time is part of it.
  • If they pick something you did not expect, ask them to tell you about it. Their reason is often interesting.
  • Pointing, signing, a device or a picture card are all real answers. Speaking is not the goal here.
  • Stop when it stops being fun. A few minutes, often, beats a long sitting.

A game and a starting point, not an assessment. All Talking Together games