The purpose of this practice-based thesis was to find different methods for strengthening the linguistic development of a 3-year-old child. We wanted to bring up fathers’ viewpoint of their children’s development. Therefore, we arranged father-and-child-activities where the fathers got to participate in different activities with their children, talk about the activities and plan their own activity specifically suited for their own child. From these activities, we created a methodological guide for families, which includes five different pedagogical activities and some tips on how to strengthen linguistic development on daily basis.

This thesis was carried out in co-operation with a private day-care centre located in Kanta-Häme. The target group was formed based on our own points of interests. In addition, we also discussed with the day-care centre’s manager about the families and who would benefit the most out of this kind of project. There were four families that were interested in participating in our project, of which two families participated.

The theoretical background comprises the principles of pedagogical early education, child’s and parents’ involvement in early education and social pedagogical orientation in early education. It also discusses children’s linguistic development, focusing on the specific age range of the target group. Home and early education play an important role in the linguistic development.

Comments and feedback on the methodological guide were collected. The feedback was collected from both fathers who participated in the activities and the kindergarten teachers. The feedback has mostly been positive and especially the kindergarten teachers thought they could use the guide in their work.