Strategy 4: Teach vocabulary by matching objects to words

Introduce the vocabulary. Use actual objects when possible. (e.g.: APPLE: show the child an apple, wash the apple, slice the apple, smell the apple, eat the apple)
Name the object using the child’s preferred receptive communication method
Match the object to the symbol (a photograph, line drawing or tactual representation of the object , print, or braille word as selected in Strategy 1)
Say the word using additional sounds when possible (e.g. Apple: mmm, dog: woof-woof, motorcycle: vrooom). Allow the child to feel the vibrations as you make the sounds.
Identify other sounds associated with the word (e.g.: microwave: beep-beep-beep, door: ding dong or knock-knock-knock, toilet: flush). Allow the child to touch the object.
Once again, match the object to its photograph, line drawing and/or tactual representation and then also to the corresponding word in print or braille
If chosen word is an action, match the action to the chosen symbol for the word

Have you thought ahead of time about what vocabulary you want the child to learn?
Does the child understand the concept of the word(s) you are teaching?
If not, have you thought about how you are going to teach the concept(s)?
Are you systematic in how you introduce, practice and reinforce new vocabulary?
Are you paying attention to how often you introduce new vocabulary?