This week, we’re talking about using Communication Temptations to promote language development. What are communication temptations? Communication temptation is the act of ‘forgetting’ something or setting your child up for ‘struggle’ in the attempt to produce language. You’re basically tempting your child to use language by setting them up for a task that is too difficulty or incorrect. How do you do this? First, find something motivating for your child, so he/she enjoys it and wants to participate. Then, set up the environment in a way that your child will need to request assistance from you. Act silly. Make your child think you really ‘forgot’, so it’s fun for them.
We’ll use the example of bubbles again. Get the bubbles with the lid you twist on tight. Then hand the unopened bubbles to your child. Wait until he/she requests help. This could be through the use of gestures, pointing, sounds, or words. If your child is currently using words, model “help”. “You need help?”. After a communication attempt it made, blow the bubbles, then screw the cap back on. Hand the bubbles back to your child. Continue the game. Have fun with it, but avoid having your child get frustrated. In that example, we tempted the child to use language by providing an activity that he/she was unable to complete independently (opening the bubble lid).
You can also provide temptations but ‘forgetting’ something, which encourages a child to respond. You could do this through a variety of ways, but for this example, we will use getting dressed. Instruct your child to get dressed with the clothes you give him/her, but ‘forget’ something important such as a shirt. Or, tell your child to put on his socks, but hand him a hat (or any incorrect article of clothing). You could also pretend to leave the house, but ‘forget’ to put on shoes. There are a lot of different ways you can tempt your child to use language.
Sometimes children may need motivation and rewards to communicate. Other times parents/caregivers anticipate children’s needs, which takes away opportunities for communication. This strategy works well for targeting the skill of requesting.
Let’s try it! Pick a target word and think of how you can use it to provide communicative temptations.
For more ideas and activities, check out my interactive guide on communication temptations https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Language-Stimulation-Techniques-Communication-Temptations-5549887
Talk soon, Kim
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