Want & Don't Want
Want & Don't Want
Today we communicate wanting and not wanting. A nod, head shake, turned gaze, open palm, or pause can all carry a clear message.
Today's Approach
Amara is about 2 years and 6 months old. Keep each activity to 3–8 minutes. Looking, pointing, nodding, shaking her head, using one word, looking away, pausing, or declining all count. Recognise the communication before adding language.
A4 Teaching Picture
Open the original image to download or print
Goals
- Chinese: understand 想要, 不想要, 可以, 不要, and 暂停.
- English: meet
want,don't want,yes,no, andpause. - Early maths: count one book, two hats, and three balls.
- Autonomy: know that refusal may be communicated through words, movements, or moving away.
Materials
- Only the A4 teaching picture and English audio.
- No real objects need to be offered for a choice.
1. Chinese Picture Talk
Time: 5–8 minutes.
Describe rather than quiz: “这个孩子想要书。”“这个孩子不想要帽子。”“他可以选，也可以暂停。” Ask once, “你想看哪一格？” If Amara does not choose, say, “现在不想选也可以.”
2. English Time
Time: 3–5 minutes.
Download today's English audio
Transcript: English time. Listen, look, or point. I want the book. I don't want the hat. Want. Don't want. You can point, look away, say yes, or say no. Your choice is okay. All done.
Model Want the book? and Don't want the hat. once. An English answer is unnecessary.
3. Early Maths: Preference and Number
Time: 3–5 minutes.
Count only the bottom row: one book, two hats, and three balls. Liking or disliking an item does not change how many are pictured.
4. Movement and Everyday Connection
Time: 3–5 minutes.
Model an open palm for “no” and relaxed hands for “pause.” Then say, “I noticed your movement.” Amara does not need to imitate it.
Choice and Safety Limits
A child's “don't want” deserves a serious response. Wanting something cannot override road, medicine, heat, or other safety limits. Say, “I know you want it. It is not safe today. I am here with you.”
Bedtime Recall
- “Which picture means 不想要?”
- “How can we communicate without words?”
Want, don't want, or pause?