YOUR QUESTION. A CLEARER NEXT STEP.
Playing the Pointing Game with your child at home
The Pointing Game grows your child's ability to point — to ask for things and to share what they notice with you. Build it at home by placing favourites just out of reach, modelling clear points all day, offering choices, and celebrating every attempt with warmth.
In this answer 5 sections
A tiny finger pointing at a bird, a biscuit, a balloon — that small gesture is one of the biggest leaps in your child's communication journey.
In short
The Pointing Game builds your child's ability to point — first to ask for things, then to share what they notice with you. You can grow this skill at home through play, by placing favourite toys just out of reach, modelling pointing yourself, and celebrating every attempt. Little and often beats long sessions — five joyful minutes, several times a day.
How to play the Pointing Game at home
Start with reaching for what they want
- Place a favourite snack or toy slightly out of reach, in sight but not in hand.
- Wait, smile, and look expectant. Any reach, point or sound is a win — hand it over straight away so they learn the gesture works.
Model pointing all day long
- Point clearly at things and name them: "Look — a dog!" Touch the picture in a book as you read.
- Use a slightly exaggerated point so your child sees exactly what you mean.
Make a choice game
- Hold two toys, one in each hand: "Do you want the car or the ball?" Encourage a point to choose.
Build "pointing to share"
- When something exciting happens — a plane overhead, bubbles popping — point and look back at your child, then back at the object. This back-and-forth is the heart of communication.
Keep it warm and pressure-free
- Follow their lead, copy their sounds, and end before they tire. Praise the trying, not just the perfect point.
When to check in
Pointing to share interest usually emerges by around 12–15 months. If your child is not pointing, showing or following your point by 18 months — or if you simply feel something is different — a general developmental check is a sensible, reassuring next step. Trust your instinct; early support is always a strength, never a worry.
The Pinnacle way
Developmental measurement supports care planning; diagnosis requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional., under the care of a qualified clinician. The Pointing Game is one playful step within a wider plan our speech therapy team can shape around your child. To understand your child's communication starting point, learn how the AbilityScore® — a clinician-administered structured assessment — gives you a clear, objective baseline to build on.
Trusted sources
Guided by CDC "Learn the Signs. Act Early." milestones on gestures and pointing, American Academy of Pediatrics guidance via HealthyChildren.org, and ASHA resources on early communication and joint attention.
Next step — message our team on WhatsApp at +91 91001 81181 to book a developmental check and turn these home games into a plan made for your child.
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 your child is not pointing, showing or following your point by 18 months, or you feel something is different, book a general developmental check — early support is a strength, not a worry.
In everyday life
Place a favourite snack in sight but out of reach, then wait with a smile. The moment your child points, reaches or sounds out — hand it over straight away so they learn the gesture works.
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
At what age should my child start pointing?
Most children begin pointing to ask for things from around 9–12 months, and pointing to share interest by about 12–15 months. If pointing, showing or following your point is not present by 18 months, a gentle developmental check is wise — though every child grows at their own pace.
My child reaches but doesn't point yet. Is that okay?
Yes — reaching is an important early step on the way to pointing. Keep modelling clear points, naming what you point to, and responding warmly to every reach. The point usually follows with practice and play.
How long should each Pointing Game session be?
Short and joyful works best — around five minutes, several times a day, woven into everyday moments like reading, snacks and walks. End before your child tires so it stays fun.
FOLLOW THE SOURCE
References behind this answer.
- Source referenceCDC — Learn the Signs. Act Early. (milestones)
- Organisation website · further readingAAP — HealthyChildren.org
- Source referenceASHA — early communication development
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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