Body Talk

Teaching Your Toddler Body Parts Through Play

By Carma Haley Shoemaker

The subject of body parts, as well as the talks that may go with them, can sometimes be a difficult one for a small child. However, according to some experts, the best, most effective and easiest way to teach your toddler the proper names and locations for body parts is through play.

With knowledge comes confidence, self-esteem and a sense of self-worth. According to Gail Gross, a child and juvenile education and development specialist and host of the Let's Talk talk radio and national weekly PBS program, herein lies the importance of teaching your child proper names and locations of all their body parts. "The more we know, the more confidant we are in all we do," says Gross. "This is true for our children as well. And just as you would want to know the proper answers to all your questions, so should we tell our children the proper – and correct – answers to theirs. Use proper language to identify body parts. Label body parts by using their correct anatomical name. This might feel somewhat uncomfortable at first, but that is our own problem. Let's not burden our children. This is a learning experience for all of us."

Don't feel that teaching your child about body parts opens up a new area for teaching them study and test-taking skills. This is not the place or time for that. In addition, parents should refrain from asking their young child to "show off" what they have learned, as this may do the opposite of what you intend and make further learning more difficult for both of you.

"Young children do not respond well when they are quizzed," says Jane Kostlec, an early childhood specialist with the Parents as Teachers organization in St. Louis, Mo. "Even though you know your child knows where his forehead is, he may not perform when asked to show it to Grandma. Parents should avoid repeatedly asking their child where particular body parts are. Keep interactions about body parts playful. If your child seems to shut down or be confused, stop the questions or activity for a while."

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