How-to: 5 Steps for Brain-Building Serve and Return

Posted June 9, 2025

These five steps—Notice the serve, Return the serve, Give it a name, Take turns…and wait, Practice endings and beginnings—help parents, caregivers, and early childhood professionals recognize and respond to children’s signals in ways that support healthy brain development.

This is more than just play—these back-and-forth moments are the foundation for learning, communication, and emotional growth.

Watch the video and explore how to:

• Tune in to a child’s interests
• Build trust and connection
• Support language, thinking, and social-emotional skills

👉 Watch the video and share it with your team to see how easy and impactful serve and return can be in your daily routines!

Whether you’re a parent, home visitor, or early childhood professional, these steps are a powerful way to help every child thrive.