Strategy 2: Embed Opportunities for Communication Throughout the Day

• Identify the child's preferred communication method(s)
• Work toward the child's understanding that a partner is needed in order to communicate
• Provide opportunities with a partner for turn-taking
• Expect, wait for and acknowledge any and all child responses (watch video Actions Speak Louder than Words from minutes 7:34-9:50)
• Put meaning to the child's actions and provide vocabulary for it
• Use consistent repetitive language (may be spoken, signed or both)
• Provide opportunities for children to make choices (see box to right)
• Use communication for a variety of purposes (make comments, ask questions, express feelings, give instructions)

Things to consider

• Have you identified the child's preferred method(s) of receiving information (receptive communication)? A helpful tool for this is the Communication Matrix.
• Have you identified the child's preferred method(s) of communicating with others (expressive communication)? A helpful tool for this is the Communication Matrix.
• Are all communication partners using the same cues during routines and activities?
• Are all communication partners using the child's preferred communication method(s)?
• Are you communicating about things that are of interest to the child?
• Are you following the child's pace?
• Are you allowing enough wait time for the child to process, move body, respond and initiate?

Always Ask Yourself