Working on What and Where at Home

Every time your little one points to the dog and you say "Yes, that's the dog — on the bed!", you're building two mighty language skills at once: knowing what something is, and where it is.

In short

"What and Where" simply means helping your child name objects (what) and understand position words like in, on, under, behind (where). You can grow both through everyday play — naming toys, hiding objects, and talking through daily routines. Little and often wins: a few playful minutes, many times a day, builds far more than one long session.

Easy ways to practise at home

Build the "What" (naming things)

• Name everything you touch during routines — "Here's your spoon, your cup, your socks."
• Play a slow naming game with a basket of toys: hold one up, name it, then pause and let your child try.
• Look at picture books and point: "Where's the cat? There it is!"

Build the "Where" (position words)

• Use a teddy and a box: put teddy in the box, on the box, under the box — say each word clearly.
• Play simple hide-and-seek with a toy: "It's behind the cushion!"
• During tidy-up, narrate: "Cup goes on the table, shoes go under the chair."

Tips that make it stick

• Follow your child's lead — talk about whatever they are already looking at.
• Give them time to respond; a slow count to five in your head works wonders.
• Celebrate every attempt, even a point or a sound. Effort is the win.

When a little extra help is wise

Most children pick up what and where words gradually through play. If by around two-and-a-half to three years your child uses very few naming words, or seems puzzled by simple position words after lots of playful practice, it's worth a friendly developmental check — not a worry, just a sensible next step.

The Pinnacle way

Developmental measurement supports care planning; diagnosis requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. under qualified clinician care — home activities like these are a wonderful complement, never a substitute. Explore more on What and Where, see how a structured profile works with the AbilityScore®, or learn how our speech therapy team can support your child's language step by step.

Trusted sources

Guided by WHO and UNICEF Nurturing Care guidance on responsive, play-based learning, the American Academy of Pediatrics' HealthyChildren parent resources, and ASHA's guidance on early language development.

Next step — want a simple, personalised home plan? Message our team on WhatsApp at +91 91001 81181 to book a developmental check.

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