I had the honor and privilege of taking part in an Augmentative and Alternative Communication Grant while I was in graduate school at Purdue University (About me). One of the most valuable strategies that I learned was how to facilitate communicative temptations for young learners (Wetherby & Prizant, 1989). This involves setting up the environment in order to “tempt” or “entice” young children to communicate. This strategy teaches children how to communicate more spontaneously and initiate (rather than simply imitate whatever the adult is saying).
Things to Keep in Mind
There are several things to keep in mind when you are setting the stage for communication. You always need to consider the child’s favorite things or special interests. You never know what this might be! Many students enjoy balls, trains, bubbles, etc. but I have also had students interested in vacuums, fans, fountains, keys/locks, and even elevators! In the beginning, you will need to provide a model of the targeted language goals (aided language input). This is the perfect time to model CORE WORDS like the following: more, help, again, go, on, up, etc. Eventually, you will WAIT for the child to initiate the targeted language. WAIT TIME is crucial as students learn how to initiate on their own.
Here are a few of my favorite AAC activities and examples of how to use them to entice young learners to communicate:
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Bubbles!
This is a classic speech therapy activity that many children enjoy. Simply open a jar of bubbles, blow the bubbles, and then close the jar tightly and wait for the child to communicate (i.e. by requesting more, help, open, etc). I like to have a variety of containers and different types of bubble wands. This keeps the activity fresh and new every time! Core words to target include the following: more, help, open, big, little, up, down, and all done.
Wind Up Toys
Simply activate a wind-up toy, let it deactivate as you enjoy watching it together, and WAIT for the child to communicate. I like to keep a variety of wind up toys on hand so I can offer choices to my students. In the summertime, I like to use water toys that wind up too! Core words to target include the following: more, help, go, stop, turn, on, off, fast, slow, again, and all done.
Balloons
Blow up a balloon and Let it go! Hold up the deflated balloon and WAIT for the child to communicate. I have a balloon inflator pump that I use for this activity to minimize germs. Core words: Go, up, more, big, little, push, blow, help, again, and all done.
Containers
Put a favorite toy in a hard-to-open-container and WAIT. This is where special interests are SO IMPORTANT. You could use a clear plastic jar or clear plastic box. I have also found that younger children have difficulty opening these plastic blocks and plastic eggs so they are perfect for holding favorite foods or toys. Core words to target include the following: help, open, close, on, off, in, out, and all done.
Locking Toys
Place a favorite toy inside while the child is watching; then put the container in front of the child and WAIT. You can disconnect the keys for older children. This toy garage comes with cars but you could put any favorite toy inside. I especially love that it has a clear plastic window on top so the child can see what is hidden inside. Core words to target include the following: more, help, open, close, in, out, turn, colors, and all done.
Spinning Tops
I have a huge collection of spinning tops and this photo shows a few of my favorites. You can find light up tops, stacking tops, wooden tops, metallic tops, and even musical tops to motivate your students. It is a good idea to have a variety on hand to keep your sessions fresh and exciting every time! Core words to target include the following: help, more, go, stop, turn, and all done.
I'd love to hear from you!
I hope you have learned a few new ideas that you can implement right away! What are your favorite ways to entice young communicators? I would love to hear from you too! Comment below:)
