Tell Me How

Next time you make lunch for your child, trying talking through each step of the process.  “First take the bread and put some butter on it and then add the meat.  Next, put some cheese on top.  Help me put the two-pieces of bread together and I will cut the sandwich in half and you can put it on a plate.”  This conversation may even lead into a talk on her favorite sandwich or the different types of food she could eat along with the sandwich.  These conversations help your child develop many communication skills.  She’s adding new vocabulary to her repertoire, sequencing steps in sandwich making, hearing how to pronounce new words, and thinking cognitively through the process.

Think of processes your child has been exposed to and see if she can sequence the process in order.  She doesn’t need to be very particular or describe each step fully as long as the main idea is clear.  Let’s say that your child loves to go to a restaurant.  You may ask her, “What do we do at a restaurant?”  Her response may include that you sit down at a table, you look at a menu, you choose what you want to eat, you wait for the waitress to bring your food, you eat and you go home.  By also playing “restaurant” at home you are giving your child the opportunity to act out these social situations,  recall sequences and enhance communication.

As you spend time with your child ask questions like “tell me how….” or “how do you….”.  The responses will amaze you!  Your little one may need some prompting for her to organize thoughts- this is perfectly normal.   Utilize these questions as you are going through daily activities such as taking a bath or preparing for bedtime.  These are natural, repetitive situations that your child can relate to easily.