Serve and Return As Part of Early Childhood Learning

Beyond its obvious associations with Nadal and Federer, “serve and return” is also a way for parents and young children to interact. As a critical part of infancy, the technique aids in early childhood learning and development.

In this article, we’ll look at what the serve and return is, how it impacts learning early on, and the strategies parents can use to deploy it properly.

Although this form of conversation isn’t often used among adults in everyday life, the serve and return is a common form of communication among adults and infants. The interactions boost cognitive growth in babies and support the brain’s budding development. Serve and return also contribute to babies’ physical, mental and emotional health; the positive stimulation lowers stress response and eliminates harmful stress hormones from the brain.

Far more than just cute exchanges between parent and baby, responsive interactions support the development of the infant brain circuitry and help stimulate learning.

Sounds and facial expressions are key elements of any serve and return interaction, which might look something like this:

Your baby looks at you; you smile. Then your baby smiles back, which makes you laugh, which in turn makes your baby laugh. You ask, “You think it’s funny when mommy laughs?” Naturally, your baby laughs again. You extend a finger toward the baby, who grabs it.

Two other serve and return activities include open-ended engagement and pretend play.

Telling children what to do is not enough stimulation for healthy brain development. Instead, ask open-ended questions — it’s a great way to launch into a serve and return interaction.

If your child draws a picture of both parents, for instance, try engaging with them — beyond just complimenting the artwork, of course. Ask why they drew what they did, or probe about what’s happening in the picture. This creates an opportunity for richer, more meaningful dialogue that veers into all sorts of interesting, funny, creative directions.

Older toddlers (say, 2 and up) love pretend play; they might want to “feed” their doll, “cook” dinner or give their toys a “bath.” Take turns and engage with them as they model everyday activities.

Aside from responsive, nurturing, and positive interactions and experiences, the following activities help boost cognitive development in babies:

Reading and singing is an engaging, fun, and easy way to help babies develop. Even simple games — tummy time, peek-a-boo — can be hugely beneficial.

Think of mealtimes as an opportunity to supply your baby’s brain with the building blocks they need to grow and develop. Eye contact, smiling, and skin-to-skin contact during feedings are all shown to benefit brain development.

Your child’s day-to-day environment is vital to their learning, and toddlers need regular opportunities to participate in activities that teach new skills and fine-tune existing ones.

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