Block Telephone
Join your child’s pretend phone call and use imitation, response, and turn-taking to make the familiar action meaningful.
- 18 months
- Quick prep
- At home
- About 15 minutes
Developmental benefits
- Cognitive：Using a block or another object as a pretend phone helps your child imitate a familiar action and understand that one object can represent another.
- Language：A pretend phone call gives your child practice taking conversational turns and using words to keep an exchange going.
Preparation
What You’ll Need
- 1
Building blocks
Step 1
Who’s Calling?
If your child picks up a block and copies you making a phone call, join the pretend game once your real call is over. A simple response shows that their imitation is meaningful and invites them to keep going.
What to notice
- Copies your movement and holds a block beside their ear
Imitation and Symbolic Representation and Play - Watches closely as you make a pretend phone call
Cognitive Self-Regulation (Executive Functioning)
Tips
- A block, banana, or ball can all become a pretend phone. Follow the idea instead of correcting which object they chose.
- Imitating familiar adult actions is an important way young children learn how everyday life works.
Step 2
Keep the Conversation Going
If your child says “Hello” and then runs out of words, pretend to listen to the caller and relay a short message: “Grandpa says hi!” Add one simple line at a time so your child can experience what a phone conversation does and choose whether to continue.
What to notice
- Copies you using a block as a pretend phone Imitation and Symbolic Representation and Play
- Uses simple words or sounds to respond to the voice on the “phone”
Communicating and Speaking
Tips
- Use an expressive face and vary your voice as you relay the pretend caller’s words.
- Begin with a simple greeting such as “Hello, is this Maya?” Then add familiar details: “Dad is at work” or “What are you playing with?”
- Pause after each sentence and watch for a response. When your baby makes a sound, answer it so they can experience conversation as taking turns.
Step 3
Make Another Call
At the end of the call, say goodbye together and “hang up.” If your child wants more, pretend to dial another family member and begin a new conversation.
What to notice
- Picks up a block as a pretend phone to start the game again
Initiative and Curiosity - Waves after hearing you say goodbye
Attending and Understanding
Tips
- When a real phone rings, point it out: “The phone is ringing. Who could be calling?” This connects pretend play with everyday experience.
- After one simple demonstration, follow your child’s lead. Listening, pretending to dial, or repeating “Hello?” are all ways to play.
Better Parenting Content Team · Updated September 11, 2026