When I Need Help
When I Need Help
Today we use the pictures for three self-directed messages: help, come closer, and stop. A child may use one word, a point, a gesture, or quiet. The adult models polite language without making it a condition for receiving help.
Today's Approach
Amara is about 2 years and 7 months old. Keep each activity to 3–8 minutes. Looking, pointing, moving, saying one word, staying quiet, pausing, or declining all count. Use only the poster and audio; never require repetition, “please,” or eye contact.
A4 Teaching Picture
Open the teaching poster to download or print
Goals
- Chinese: understand 帮帮我, 靠近一点, and 停下 as messages about one's own needs.
- English: hear
help,come closer, andstopin safe contexts. - Early maths: count one cup, two books, and three blocks.
- Boundaries: know that asking and politeness are not obedience training; safety help never depends on a full sentence.
Materials
- Only the A4 teaching picture above, printed or displayed full-screen.
- The English audio below.
- No cup, books, blocks, or other objects are needed.
1. Chinese Picture Talk
Time: 5–8 minutes.
Say, “需要帮助，可以说‘帮帮我’，也可以伸手或指一指。”“想让熟悉的大人靠近，可以招招手。”“想停下，可以说‘停’，也可以举起手掌、转开或不继续。”
Amara does not need to demonstrate. If she only watches the third panel, say, “我看见‘停下’的手势；停下很重要。” Do not test her on the “polite” wording.
2. English Time
Time: 3–5 minutes.
Download today's English audio
Transcript: English time. Listen, look, or point. Help, please. Come closer, please. Stop, please. A word, a point, or a gesture can ask for help. You may stay quiet. A trusted grown-up should help with safety. All done.
Play it once. Please is an adult model, never a phrase Amara must produce before anyone responds.
| English | Chinese | Possible response |
|---|---|---|
Help, please. | 请帮帮我。 | Point, reach, or say 帮 |
Come closer, please. | 请靠近一点。 | Point, beckon, or stay quiet |
Stop, please. | 请停下。 | Point, hold up a hand, turn away, or pause |
3. Early Maths: 1, 2, 3
Time: 3–5 minutes.
Count only the bottom strip: one complete cup, two complete books, and three complete blocks. Count each stacked block once; ignore book pages and the cup handle.
4. Movement, Everyday Life, and Boundaries
Time: 3–5 minutes.
The adult models once: open hands for help, a small beckoning motion for come closer, and an open palm for stop. Pause for two seconds after each. Amara may copy, watch, or decline. In daily life, respond to her word, point, or gesture instead of waiting for “perfect” language.
Safety and Development
Urgent safety, toilet, drink, pain, or comfort needs must be met promptly, never after “say please” or “look at me.” If an adult must intervene to prevent immediate danger, explain when possible, move gently, and restore choice once safe.
Bedtime Recall
- “Panel three shows stop; a word, turning away, or a gesture can communicate it.”
- “One word or one movement can ask for help.”
- Say
A word, a point, or a gesture can ask for help.once, then stop.