Did I Understand You?
Here's What To Do
1
Throughout the day, help me practice understanding verbal requests without any hints from you. I'm learning how to follow a simple request like "Drink your water" without you pointing to my cup or pretending to drink.
2
Try keeping your requests simple, clear and specific.
3
Try to give only one direction or request at a time.
4
Give me time to respond after you make a request. Pause for a few seconds, and see if I'll follow the request. If I seem confused, repeat your request with some gesture hints.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Smile and make eye contact before making a request.
E
Engage:
- Make your requests as specific as possible. Instead of "drink it," try "drink your water."
- Give me a few simple requests to follow throughout the day and see how I react. Examples:
- -"Where's Mommy?" (do I turn to look at Mommy?)
- -"Where's your bottle?" (do I look for the bottle or show signs of anticipation)
- -"Want up?" (do I reach my arms toward you?)
E
Encourage:
- Break your requests into smaller chunks. Instead of "put your ball away," try "pick up your ball" (pause until I pick up the ball), and then "put your ball in the box."
- Whenever possible throughout the day, talk about what I'm doing. This helps me learn the words for familiar things, which helps me learn how to follow requests.
R
Reflect:
- Do I seem to understand your requests without any hints?
As your child grows...
They will understand more and more simple verbal requests.