Wait a Little
Wait a Little
Today we practise one 5–10-second wait only in a safe, non-urgent picture-book moment.
Today's Approach
Amara is about 2 years and 6 months old. The whole activity may last 3–8 minutes, but the wait happens once for only 5–10 seconds. Looking, pointing, making a stop signal, seeking immediate comfort, pausing, or declining all count.
A4 Teaching Picture
Open the original image to download or print
How to use it
Print on portrait A4 paper or show it full-screen. Use only the poster and audio. The bottom hourglasses are counting pictures, not timers and not a required wait length.
Goals
- Chinese: meet “等一小会儿、现在、停止、需要帮助.”
- English: meet
wait a little,now, andstop. - Co-regulation: experience one predictable, very short pause with an adult present.
- Early math: count one book, two hands, and three small hourglasses.
- Safety: never delay food, drink, toileting, comfort, medical care, or safety.
Materials
- The A4 poster and audio only.
- No timer, book, or other object.
1. Chinese Picture Talk
Point to the first and third scenes: “翻图片前，等 5 秒。大人在这里。现在，可以看下一页了。”
At any discomfort, say: “不用等，我们现在停。” Stop immediately and offer comfort.
2. English Time
Download the 29 October English audio
Transcript:
English time. Listen, look, or point. We may wait for five to ten seconds before turning a picture-book page. Wait a little. Now. Food, drink, toilet needs, comfort, medicine, and safety needs should be met right away. You may stop at once.
| English | 中文 | Possible response |
|---|---|---|
wait a little | 等一小会儿 | Look or lift a hand |
now | 现在 | Point to page-turn picture |
stop | 停止 | Rest, turn away, or say no |
No repetition is required, and the audio may stop at any moment.
3. Early Math: Book, Hands, Hourglasses
- Under 1, touch the one complete book.
- Under 2, touch the two complete hands.
- Under 3, touch the three complete hourglasses.
The hourglasses are only for counting. Do not use them to set or extend waiting.
4. One 5–10-Second Pause
Only if Amara is calm and willing, point to one pictured page and say, “Wait for five seconds; I am here.” Count calmly to five, then say, “Now.” Do it once. If she declines, do not begin.
5. Co-regulation and Safety Boundary
Short waiting belongs only in a supported, predictable situation with no basic need at stake. It is not obedience practice and never means coping alone.
These Needs Never Wait
Food, drink, toileting, a cuddle or other comfort, pain and medical care, danger, and safety requests receive an immediate response. Crying, approaching, pointing, turning away, or saying no all communicate.
Bedtime Recall
- “你想看‘等一下’，还是‘现在’？”
Wait a little, now, or stop?