If you are reading this as a fellow SLP I am sure you have heard that million-dollar question: ” How will you get them to talk?” Enticing our patients or clients to communicate via communication temptations and situation sabotage are very simple and impactful techniques.
Enticing our little one to initiate communication is tricky but effective. Our inclination is always to pepper children with questions ( which they are often unable to answer). By providing them with a functional reason to start communication we improve natural communication that appears to be the child’s idea.
Most communication temptations should also be paired with limited question asking , lots of pauses adn exptant looks.
Bubbles
I love bubbles. But with a regular lid. Screwed on very tight. That way the child has to ask for the bottle to be opened. I often will have the child tap on the top of the bottle to indicate they want it open to begin. Of course in our current COVID regulations we are not blowing bubbles. ( sad trombone) We are using a bubble gun. Lucky for me most of the kids have a hard time using it.
Wind up Toys
An absolute favorite toy of mine for many reasons. Wind-up toys can be so much fun, engaging, and best of all new. Not a lot of families have wind-up toys are home. Little fingers have a hard time winding up the various creatures and things that go.
Clear Boxes with Lids
Who knew storage boxes could be your best friend in therapy. Having toys ( safely) out of reaching can be a great communicaiton temptation for little ones. Being able to see that awesome toy but not get at it may just push them into some functional communication. For example I keep my very fun wind up toys in a clear bin and take them out one at a time.
Sabotage with puzzles
Giving the child the wrong piece to a puzzle or shape sorter may throw them off just enough to request the correct piece. They may think you are being silly and that is also a great way to spark communication as well. Havign a great time putting hte pieces in the wrong spot ( oh no!, no no no!)
Ball Popper
I love our ball popper or any fun toy with a slightly hidden on/off switch. I usually let the ball popper run for a cycle then it mysteriously turns off. This is usually a great way to encourage a gesture, sign, or vocalization.
Enticing the kids into communication with functional and fun activities is impactful. Share your favorite communication temptation activities below.