R.O.C.K.
Repeat what you say and do!
Offer opportunities for your child to take his turn!
Cue your child to take his turn!
Keep it fun! Keep it going!
The following activities encourage children to look at the faces and eyes of others. Fun games like below can be a good starting point for children to realize that they can get important information by watching people's faces, especially by looking at what the eyes are "saying."
“Let's Face It!”
We've all heard the expression, "It's not what you say, it's how you say it."
Well, an important part of how we communicate with each other has a lot to do with our faces and gestures, rather than our actual speech and language.
In fact, research shows that:
Well, an important part of how we communicate with each other has a lot to do with our faces and gestures, rather than our actual speech and language.
In fact, research shows that:
- Non-verbal communication conveys 93 % of the meaning of what we say.
- 55% of that meaning is conveyed in facial expression alone!
As part of typical development, most children naturally learn how to "read faces" and understand what different facial expressions mean. Even a very young child can tell if a parent is happy, angry or worried by looking at her eyes and the expression on her face.
However some children have trouble reading faces. These children often experience social challenges, because they do not respond to the non-verbal messages of those around them. They need help to learn to look at the faces and eyes of those around them.
“Follow My Eyes to The Prize”
You need:
- a small toy or treat
- a scarf to use as a blindfold
How to play:
- Tell your child that you are going to hide something, then show him the toy or treat that you will be hiding.
- Tell your child that he needs to close his eyes while you hide the "prize" (alternatively you could place a blindfold over the child's eyes or have him leave the room).
- Hide the "prize."
- Have your child open his eyes.
- Tell your child to watch your eyes to find out where the "prize" is hidden.
- If your child can't follow your eyes at first, point to the hiding spot.
- After your child masters the game, let him be the one to hide the prize and direct you with his gaze.
You need:
- A fun hat (e.g., cowboy hat, fireman hat, etc.)
How to play:
This game works best in a group, where children have an opportunity to scan the crowd. If you are playing with only one child, sit across from him or her. If you have more than one child, sit in a circle.
- Chant: "(Your Name) has a hat! What do you think of that?! She takes off her hat and passes it to _______!" (name the child and put the hat on his or her head)
- Repeat the same chant, using the name of the child now wearing the hat. Let him then put the hat on another child's head as everyone calls out the recipient's name.
- Go around the circle and play over until the children let you know it's time to end the game.
“Tornado Tubes”
It is an inexpensive toy to encourage your child to communicate. Tornado tubes are small plastic connections you can use to join two plastic bottles together and create a water tornado for your child.
You need:
- 1 tornado tube (available in science or teacher stores )
- 2 empty plastic water or pop bottles
- food coloring (optional)
- glitter (optional)
How to make it:
- Fill one bottle about 3/4 full with water and screw the tornado tube onto it. Before placing the second bottle on top of the first bottle, put several drops of food coloring, some confetti or glitter, if you want. Then attach the second bottle by screwing the empty bottle to the end of the tube.
- Placing a hand securely on top and resting the bottom bottle on a flat surface, shake the upper bottle briefly in circular motion. You will create a swirling funnel that looks exactly like a tornado.
How to play:
- Place the bottles in front of your child.
- Wait for your child to let you know with a look, a smile or a word that he wants you to make another tornado.
“Play-dough Activity”
Play-dough is a long time favourite kids’ activity. The fact that the play dough can be edible makes your child happier, so give a try and make some with your child.
A. Cooked version play-dough recipe
This is more work and takes longer due to cooking and cooling, but it is smoother than the non-cooked one.
Ingredients:
· 1 cup flour
· 1/2 cup salt
· 1 cup water
· 1 Tablespoon oil
· 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
· Food coloring by drops
How to make it:
1. Combine all ingredients in a pan and stir. Cook over low heat, stirring until a ball forms.
2. Add food coloring and mix thoroughly until desired color.
3. Cool on foil.
4. Store in covered container.
B. No-Cook Play-dough Recipe
This is an easier to make version of a play-dough recipe, where no cooking is involved.
Ingredients:
· 1 cup salt
· 1 1/2 cup flour
· 1/2 cup water
· 2 Tablespoons oil
· A few drops of food coloring
How to make it:
- Mix all ingredients very well.
- Store in plastic bag or covered jar.
How to play:
Before you start, choose a space where clean up is easy and where you and your child can sit face-to-face. Have a sink or cloth close by for easy clean up. As you gather the ingredients, comment on what you’re doing. When possible, let your child help carry ingredients to the table. Be sure to go slow - even set up can be an interactive language-learning opportunity. Once you have all the ingredients and tools you’re ready to start. As you follow the recipe, point to the print and illustrations and use language at your child’s level. No need to worry about using exact measurements! If the play-dough is too sticky, add more flour. If the play-dough is too dry, you can knead in more water (always be careful with hot water). If your child is old enough, let him carefully stir the dough. Once the play-dough is mixed it will be quite hot. As you continue to knead, it will gradually cool. You can take a handful of play-dough and flatten it down to help it cool more quickly, and your child can start with this piece while waiting for the rest. With the play-dough made, you’re ready for fun! Be sure to join in and follow your child’s interest – it gives them the opportunity to use language. You can add tools and other materials to expand the experience, such as flour in a shaker, a small rolling pin (or piece of dowel), play dishes, a garlic press, Popsicle sticks or birthday candles. Don’t add too much at once; expand the activity slowly and over separate occasions. As you both play you can comment on what your child is doing, using language at his or her level. When you’re finished playing, remember that clean up can also be a time for language learning if you keep it fun! Store the play-dough in an airtight plastic bag or container to help keep it soft.
You may also notice that play-dough offers another benefit: the sensory experience of kneading and squishing the dough can have quite a calming and relaxing effect!
“Sing a Song”
Right from birth, children love music. Singing songs and enjoying music and rhythm together are wonderful ways for parents to connect and have fun with their child while helping to nurture language skills. We’ve assembled the lyrics to some all-time favorites that you can print off from our web site and enjoy. Remember to sing the songs slowly to make it easy for your child to learn and follow along! If your child is not yet using words, don’t worry. You can encourage her to take part in songs that include gestures and movement.
References:
- It Takes Two To Talk Guidebook, Pepper & Weitzman, 2004
- Gutstein, S., & Sheely, R. (2002a). Relationship development intervention with young children: Social and emotional development activities for Asperger Syndrome, autism, PDD, and NLD.
- Gutstein, S., & Sheely, R. (2002b). Relationship development intervention with older children, adolescents, and adults: Social and emotional development activities for Asperger Syndrome, autism, PDD, and NLD.
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