Learning Simple Requests
Here's What To Do
1
Throughout the day, try asking me to complete simple tasks.
2
Help me understand what you mean by gesturing with your arms and hands.
3
Praise me when I respond correctly to your requests.
4
If I don't seem to understand, help me complete the task. This will help me understand what the request means.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Get down to my level and make eye contact with me before making a request.
E
Engage:
- Examples of simple requests: "Come here," "Give me your ball," and "Wave bye bye."
- Gesture to help me understand. Say "Want up?" as you hold out your arms or "take the cracker" as you hold out a cracker.
E
Encourage:
- When your child completes the request, repeat it as a statement, like: "Yay! You're waving bye bye!"
- If I don't respond, demonstrate the request for me or help me complete it. For example, if I don't respond to "Take the cracker," gently place a cracker in my hand while you say "Take the cracker" again.
R
Reflect:
- Are there some phrases I seem to understand more than others?
Not quite ready?
Keep practicing simple requests until I begin to follow the directions.
Ready for more?
Try making requests without giving gesture hints.
As your child masters this skill...
They will begin to respond correctly to simple requests.