A key component to communication: Requesting

I mentioned requesting several times in my previous post about holiday gifts and language strategies. I then realized not everyone may know what that means or what it looks like! Requesting is communicating, verbally or nonverbally, for an item that you want. The key here is communicating with someone. If I'm thirsty, I can go to the fridge and get a drink, that would not be a request. If I'm on the couch and don't want to get up-I ask my husband to grab me a drink and that IS requesting. How about we all practice that ;).

Requesting may look like this:

Nonverbal-

• Eye contact

• Pointing

• Using a sign

• Using a picture

• Using an action-ex blowing to indicate they want bubbles

• Gestures-reaching to be picked up, taking your hand to indicate they want it

Verbal

• Any PURPOSEFUL vocalization-may start as a grunt or scream!

• Consonant-vowel vocalization-e.,g. Ba! even if it not an approximation of the word

• Word approximation

• Imitation of a sound or word

• True word

• Phrase or short sentence

How Can I Help My Child to Learn to Request?

You can create an environment that allows the child to need to request an item from you. In several of the holiday gifts I mentioned, a great way to work on requesting is to keep the items the child needs for the game. For example, the ball game, you may give the child the hammer and have them ask for "ball" or vice versa. In the critter clinic game, the child can request keys. You get the picture! So think of how many MORE opportunities they have to learn communication. One caveat, do not allow the child to get frustrated! Look back at the "Rule of 3" in my language strategies post for some good tips!

Here are some ideas:

• Use plastic containers to keep items-child requests help or open to get the container open.

• Put items out of reach but within sight-ex. on a shelf, counter, etc.

• During snack time-give a little bit of the snack or drink and have the child request more of it.

• Take the items the child needs for the task so they need to ask you for it

• While playing silly games like tickling or rough housing-stop and WAIT-child can request more of the activity.

• Offer choices-e.g. do you want the bubbles or ball? (preferably with items present)