If you’re looking for a simple way to encourage your one-year-old to start using nouns and names of favorite toys, a circle of objects is a fantastic idea.

I cleared other distractions from the room and set out a few items for Veronika in a big circle, keeping the number manageable (aim for 6 to 8 things). I included: a box, stacking rings, a ball, a scarf, a toy car, a small book, and plastic cow. The idea was to have a variety, but also things that could be named with one word.

I placed her in the middle, and the choice was hers! When she trotted over to the box first, I named it. “Yes, that is a box.”

She wanted to put the stacking rings inside it. More great opportunity for talk! “You found the ring. You found the green ring. Can the green ring go inside?

Next the scarf caught her eye. “You found your scarf. The scarf is soft.”

I draped this over a few of the items in the circle that she hadn’t made it to yet, to draw her attention. Soon she was happily uncovering and then playing with the car and small book.

“The car goes fast!” I chimed in, as she spun the wheels and drove it around. This could go inside the box, too!

You get the idea. Whatever it is your baby picks up from the circle, say the noun and some simple sentences to go along with it. And wait for that thrilling moment when your baby says the word back!