Where Exactly? A Simple Game That Builds Clear Communication

By Sanower Ahmedi, Parenting coach · 9 September 2026

Sometimes children know exactly what they mean but the person listening doesn’t. This playful activity turns that little misunderstanding into a chance to practise clear communication, storytelling, and repair.

“Put the bear there.”

The parent puts the bear down.

The child pauses.

“No… there!”

And suddenly, the story becomes interesting.

The child has to explain where exactly.

This tiny moment helps children notice that a listener may not always understand what they mean.

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The parent listens:

“I understood ‘put the bear there’…

but I wasn’t sure which spot you meant.”

The child repairs just that one detail.

“Next to the box.”

Try again.

This time, the bear lands exactly where the child imagined.

That’s storytelling too—making sure your listener can see the picture in your words.

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The goal isn’t to get the perfect words—it’s to help your child notice when a message isn’t clear, add the missing detail, and try again. That small repair is a big step toward confident, connected communication.

Skill Built: Audience Awareness & Connection

It helps children learn to:

Communicate clearly by adding missing details.

Notice misunderstandings in a listener.

Repair their message instead of giving up.

Think from the listener’s perspective.

Build storytelling and expressive language through play.