Three-Part Cards

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When working with your child, relate the cards to a real object in your home. Then, invite the child to explore the cards one at a time. Have a conversation about the card, and give the language or definition of what is shown if needed. 

Once the child knows the name in his/her native language. You can introduce the second language word by doing what we call a three-period lesson. 

1. Introduction – Introduce three cards at a time. You say the name and point to the picture card. “This is a dog”, “This is a cat”, “This is a pig”.

2. Recognition – Use active commands that require the child to physically manipulate the card as a way to reinforce the association between the name and the picture card.  “Show me the dog”, “Pick up the pig”, “Place the cat under the table”, etc. This period should be the longest and most fun.

3. The Test – Ask your child to tell you the name of the object in the card. “What is this?”. Do not move to the third period if you are not fully confident that your child will answer correctly. 

The idea is to place the picture cards on a table and mix up the labels. The child then, reads the labels and matches them to the appropriate picture card.  

Then they check their work with the control card. This self-correction process promotes independence and confidence.