Strategy 1: Teach vocabulary using the representation mode(s) most familiar to the child (e.g. objects, pictures, tactile symbols, print, braille)

Determine the communication mode that the child uses most frequently
Show your child target vocabulary word using mode selected (object, picture, tactile symbol, print or braille)
Allow the child to explore the representation of the word
- Exploration may include any or all of these: touch, shake, bang, play with, mouth, smell, listen to, hold close to face, put on face, tap, or other actions unique to a particular child
Repeat the word using the child’s preferred communication mode(s)
Create a word box containing the symbolic representation (object, picture, tactile symbol, print, braille)
- Helps the learner remember words
- Includes something tangible to represent the word
- Includes the word represented in one or more additional modes
- Can be used to move to more abstract representations by adding the word displayed in new modes

Have you checked to be sure other adults are using the same representation mode consistently?
Are other adults using the same word rather than a synonym?
Is the mode you have chosen accessible across environments? Is the object or device portable and available?