ClearlySpeaking Therapy

1. Where is the doll/teddy bear?

Sit with your child on the floor. Let him watch as you cover the doll/bear with a blanket. Leave part of the doll/bear visible to him (e.g., leg or arm). Give him several seconds to pull the blanket off the doll. If he doesn’t attempt to find the doll, prompt by saying, “Where’s the baby?” If he still does not attempt to find the baby, give him a model. You pull the blanket off the baby saying, “Hi baby.” You can also offer a physical prompt by placing your child’s hand on the part of the doll that is visible and pulling the doll out from under the blanket.

2.  Pat-a-cake

Sit with your child on the floor or have him sit on your lap facing you. Recite “Pat-a-cake” while doing the hand motions. If he doesn’t begin to move his hands, physically prompt him by taking his hands and helping him do the hand motions.

3.  Let’s make music

Start a toy that makes noise or moves and let your child become interested in it. When the toy stops, wait for him to seek help. He will likely do this by touching the toy or your hand. If your child doesn’t do anything to get the toy started again, your first prompt might be to tap the toy and ask, “Want more?” You can also prompt by tapping the toy and then restarting it to show him that the action results in more movement/sound from the toy. If he still doesn’t do anything, prompt by taking his hand and touching his hand to your hand. As soon as his hand touches yours, activate the toy. Your child can also touch or bang the toy to get the action restarted.

4. Rolling ball

Sit with your child on the floor, allowing a short distance between the two of you. Roll the ball toward him. Stimulate language by saying, “Ball” each time you or your child touch the ball. If he doesn’t roll the ball back to you, prompt by saying, “Roll the ball to me” or “Your turn.” You can also give a physical prompt by placing his hand on the ball and rolling it in your direction.

5.  Peek-a-boo

Sit with the your child on the floor so he can see your face. Place your hands or a scarf/cloth over your face. When you remove your hands or the cloth over your face, say, “Peek-a-boo” or “Boo”. Repeat several times so the child may observe the activity. After he has watched you, pause to give him time to imitate the activity. If you are using a cloth, give it to your child at this time. Prompt with “You do it” or “Your turn.” You can also offer a physical prompt by placing his hands or the cloth over his face. When you remove his hands or the cloth, say, “Peek-a-boo” or “Boo”.

6.  Go, Go, Go

Sit with your child on the floor. Have him watch as you push the car so it rolls toward him. Make a car noise and stimulate language by saying, “Go” or “Go Car” with each push of the toy. After he watches you a few times, place the car where he can reach it and see if he will push it toward you. If he doesn’t do so immediately, prompt by saying, “Make it go.” You can also offer a physical prompt, placing his hand on the car and helping him push it. Once your child initiates the routine, take turns. You can give a verbal prompt by saying, “My turn now” when you push the car.