Describe It Guessing Game

No materials — just objects around you in any environment

Choose a familiar object without telling your toddler what it is.

Give your first clue: "I'm thinking of something... it's round."

Pause and let them guess. If wrong, add another: "It's red."

Keep adding clues: "You eat it... it grows on a tree... it's an APPLE!"

Celebrate: "Yes! An apple! Great listening!"

Let your toddler describe something. Help with prompts: "What color? Big or small? What do you do with it?"

Guess slowly and wrong on purpose to encourage more describing: "Is it a shoe?" "No!" "Tell me more!"

Play 4-5 rounds, alternating turns.

Describing is one of the hardest language skills for young children because it requires them to think about an object's properties (color, size, use) rather than just naming it. This game makes that challenge fun and low-pressure.

Start with very familiar objects that are visible in the room. Pointing while describing is totally fine at this age.

The "wrong guess" strategy is powerful. When you deliberately guess wrong, your toddler is motivated to give MORE clues — which means more practice with descriptive language.

This game is incredibly portable. Play it in the car, at a restaurant, or in a waiting room. "I'm thinking of something in this room that's blue..."

For younger 2-year-olds, use just two clues (color + use). For older kids, challenge them to give three or four clues.