Working on What & Where Questions at Home

Every "What's that?" and "Where's teddy?" is a tiny invitation into language — and your living room is the best classroom your child will ever have.

In short

You can build What and Where questions at home through everyday play, books and routines — naming objects (what) and locations (where) over and over in fun, low-pressure moments. Start with one question type at a time, model the answer first, and celebrate every attempt. Little and often beats long sessions.

Easy activities to try at home

"What" questions — naming things

• During snack time, hold up items and ask, "What's this?" — then answer it yourself if your child is still learning: "It's a banana!"
• Use a feely-bag of toys; pull one out and pause for them to name it.
• Read picture books and point: "What is the dog doing?" Keep it light — model, don't quiz.

"Where" questions — finding places

• Play hide-and-seek with a favourite toy: "Where's teddy?" — then reveal, "Under the blanket!" This teaches location words too (in, on, under, behind).
• Tidy-up time is gold: "Where do the blocks go?"
• During routines, ask "Where are your shoes?" before going out.

Make it work

• Offer the answer first many times before expecting your child to respond — this is modelling, and it's how language grows.
• Follow their interest; if they love cars, build the questions around cars.
• Keep turns short and joyful. Praise the try, not just the correct word.

When a little extra support helps

If your child rarely responds to simple questions, isn't using single words by around 16–18 months, or seems to find understanding language hard across home and nursery, a friendly developmental check is wise. Early input through speech therapy can make a real difference, and there's never any harm in asking.

The Pinnacle way

A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under the care of a qualified clinician — never from an online tip sheet. Our 700+ therapists across 70+ centres help families turn everyday moments like these into steady communication gains, building on what you already do at home.

Trusted sources

Guided by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) on early language development, and the CDC "Learn the Signs. Act Early." milestones for understanding and using words.

Next step — try one "what" and one "where" game today, and message our team on WhatsApp at +91 91001 81181 to book a developmental check if you'd like guidance.

This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.