Try Another Way
Try Another Way
Today an adult supports “stop, try another way, or rest.” Persistence is not obedience.
Today's Approach
Amara is about 2 years and 6 months old. Keep each activity to 3–8 minutes. Looking, pointing to either route, saying one word, asking for help, resting, pausing, or declining all count. The adult co-regulates.
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. No maze, puzzle, blocks, or completion task is needed.
Goals
- Chinese: understand “停一下、换一个办法、请帮忙、休息、结束.”
- English: meet
stop,try another way,help, andrest. - Co-regulation: see several supported options, including stopping.
- Early math: count one path, two route arrows, and three picture cards.
- Life skill: know that asking an adult for help is valid.
Materials
- The A4 poster and audio only.
- No physical object.
1. Chinese Picture Talk
Say: “路挡住了，可以停一下。大人可以一起看别的办法。也可以休息或结束。”
Ask: “你想指一条路，还是停？” Do not ask which route is “right.”
2. English Time
Download the 30 October English audio
Transcript:
English time. Listen, look, or point. Stop. An adult can help. We can try another way, ask for help, rest, or finish. Trying again is a choice, not a rule. One path. Two routes. Three picture cards. You may stop.
| English | 中文 | Possible response |
|---|---|---|
stop | 停一下 | Lift a hand, turn, or rest |
try another way | 换一个办法 | Point to either route |
help | 帮忙 | Approach, point, or vocalise |
rest | 休息 | Relax hands |
Help never depends on saying help; respond to any clear communication.
3. Early Math: Routes
- Under 1, touch the one complete path.
- Under 2, touch the two complete route arrows.
- Under 3, touch the three complete picture cards.
Count only the bottom strip. Do not solve or trace a maze.
4. Co-regulation Gesture
Model: “Stop,” with relaxed hands; “Would you like help?” with one open hand; “We can finish.” Amara may choose any option or do nothing.
5. Developmental and Safety Boundary
When a toddler is stuck, the adult helps regulate emotion, narrows choices, and reduces difficulty. Trying again is only an option when Amara is willing, calm, and safe.
Persistence Is Not Obedience
Do not demand completion, repeatedly prompt, or use a reward. Do not label resting or declining as giving up. The closed gate is only part of the picture story; in real life, never go around a closed gate, fence, or safety barrier, and always stay with a caregiver. An adult intervenes directly when safety is involved.
Bedtime Recall
- “你想再看停一下、换办法，还是休息？”
Stop, another way, or rest?