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How to practise "Follow the" with your child at home
"Follow the" home activities — following your eyes, a point, a sound, your movements or simple instructions — build joint attention, listening and coordination. Keep sessions short, playful and repeated through the day, follow your child's lead, and celebrate every success. These support everyday learning but do not replace a clinical assessment.
In this answer 5 sections
Some of the warmest learning moments at home start with one simple invitation — "follow the..." — and turn into giggles, eye contact and shared attention.
In short
"Follow the" activities — where your child follows a sound, a moving object, your pointing finger, or a simple instruction — build the early skills of joint attention, listening and motor coordination. They are easy to weave into everyday play, need no special equipment, and grow naturally as your child does. Little and often, with plenty of warmth, works far better than long sessions.
Easy ways to practise at home
Follow the eyes and the point
- Hold a favourite toy near your face, then slowly move it side to side and up and down — encourage your child's eyes to track it.
- Point to something interesting ("Look — the bird!") and pause; celebrate when your child follows your point or looks where you look.
Follow the sound
- Shake a rattle or hum a tune from one side, then the other, and notice your child turning towards it.
- Play simple "where's the sound?" games with a phone alarm or a squeaky toy hidden under a cloth.
Follow the leader (movement)
- March, clap, stamp or wave and invite your child to copy you — "do what I do!"
- Roll or push a ball back and forth so your child follows it with eyes and hands.
Follow the instruction (for older toddlers)
- Start with one step — "give me the cup" — then build to two — "pick up the spoon and put it in the bowl."
- Keep your words short, wait, and give a big smile or cuddle when they follow through.
Keep it joyful
Follow your child's lead and interests — the activity works best when it feels like play, not a test. Aim for a few short bursts across the day rather than one long stretch. If your child looks away or seems tired, pause and try again later. Repetition is your friend; the same game many times helps the skill settle in.
The Pinnacle way
A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care — these home activities support your child's everyday learning but do not replace a professional assessment. If you would like guidance tailored to your child, our team can help through structured occupational therapy and play-based programmes. Explore more Follow the ideas to keep the games fresh.
Trusted sources
Guided by child-development guidance from the CDC's "Learn the Signs. Act Early." programme, the American Academy of Pediatrics' HealthyChildren resources, and ASHA's parent guidance on early communication and attention.
Next step — to learn how these activities fit your child's unique strengths, book a developmental check with the Pinnacle team on WhatsApp: +91 91001 81181.
This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
CONNECT THE ANSWER TO YOUR CHILD’S DAY
Something to notice. Something to discuss.
What to notice
If by around 12 months your child rarely follows a point or looks where you look, or shows little response to their name, mention it at a developmental check rather than waiting.
In everyday life
Turn it into a daily game: at mealtime move the spoon slowly so your child's eyes follow it, then cheer when they track it — a 2-minute win you can repeat all day.
Bring your observations and questions to your child’s professional. Choose activities that suit your child’s comfort, abilities and agreed plan.
Bring your questions to a first visitQuestions families ask
What age can I start "Follow the" activities?
You can begin gentle versions from early infancy — following a face or a slowly moving toy with the eyes works from a few months old, and following sounds, points and simple instructions develops over the first two to three years. Always follow your child's pace and interests.
How long should each practice session be?
Short and frequent is best. A few minutes at a time, several times a day, woven into normal play and routines, works far better than one long session. Stop while it is still fun.
My child doesn't follow my point yet — should I worry?
Skills emerge at different times, so keep playing the games warmly. If by around 12 months your child rarely follows a point or looks where you look, simply mention it at a routine developmental check so a clinician can take a closer look.
FOLLOW THE SOURCE
References behind this answer.
- Source referenceCDC — Learn the Signs. Act Early.
- Organisation website · further readingAAP — HealthyChildren.org
- Organisation website · further readingASHA — early communication guidance
References are supplied with this answer. An organisation homepage offers further reading; it does not establish an independent review of this page.
Content attribution: SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network.
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