Try to involve them in practical tasks, such as fixing the tires of a bicycle. Name the different parts, and explain how they work. Talk about what you are doing and why, as you go along.

When making dinner, talk about the ingredients you are using and explain where they come from. Find or draw pictures to help your child make the connection between eggs and chickens, flour and corn, and which animals provide different kinds of meat.

Picture games are also very useful when teaching your child about objects, concepts and language.

If you go for a walk or a drive, point out different things you see and describe them as you go by.

When going for a walk in the park, draw your child’s attention to particular sounds – such as water running in a stream, the sound of dropping stones in a pond, footsteps on gravel, the squeaking of swings etc.

Before shopping, go through some of the items you are going to buy on the shopping list. Again, make drawings if necessary. And let your child try to find some of the different products on the shelves.

Record children's entertainment shows and nature programmes from television. When you watch the programmes together, use every opportunity to stop the programme, explain and discuss what you are seeing.

In the evenings, read bedtime stories. These help to develop language, provide information, and nurture your child's own interest in reading and seeking out information.