Vet Exhibit

Language Extension: OPEN & Asking Questions

Welcome to the Vet Clinic! You’ve seen how OPEN and asking simple questions can make play interactive and language-rich. Here are more ways to build communication skills with your little veterinarian.

  • Caring for Animals: Encourage your child to “open” cages, pet doors, or toy medical kits. Model phrases like:

    • “Open the cage to help the bunny!”

    • “Can you open the doctor’s bag?”

  • Check-ups: Ask simple questions about stuffed animals or dolls:

    • “What’s wrong?”

    • “Where does it hurt?”

    • “Does it feel better now?”

  • Body Part Practice: While checking animals, point out body parts:

    • “Let’s check the dog’s paw.”

    • “Where’s the kitty’s tummy?”

    • “Wash the puppy’s nose!”

At the Museum

At Home

  • Bath Time & Dressing: Ask questions while washing or putting on clothes: “Where’s your arm?” or “Open your mouth for the toothbrush!”

  • Doctor or Pretend Play: Use dolls, stuffed animals, or action figures to ask, “What’s wrong?” and “Where does it hurt?”

  • Mealtime & Chores: Ask your child to find items: “Can you open the jar?” or “Where’s the spoon?”

Language Tip: Ask Simple Questions and Expand

Use short, predictable questions like “What’s wrong?” or “Where is it?” Pause and wait for a response. When your child responds, expand on it:

  • Child points → “Yes! The dog’s paw! It has a boo-boo!”

  • Child says a word → “That’s right! The kitty’s tummy!”

Extra Tip: Turn check-ups into a game! Take turns asking questions and “treating” the animals, emphasizing OPEN and body part words to build expressive language and social skills.