Consistent and Predictable Strategies to Reduce Pressure and Boost Language
July 26, 2024
Because intonation is a key component of this strategy, we recommend listening to the audio version of this article for the best experience.
Verbal RoutinesDo you often find yourself asking questions like, "What's that? Where is it? How do you say that? Look, what's this called? Who is that?" If so, we have the perfect topic for you: verbal routines! Expecting answers from your little one at an early age can be challenging, especially when their vocabulary is still developing. Verbal routines are a wonderful activity that allows children to learn words in a predictable and positive environment. It's an easy way to reduce pressure and boost language learning at any age.
Verbal routines are short, repetitive phrases/songs that are used predictably during daily activities (playing, bathing, getting dressed, cleaning, eating). Think of verbal routines like a script. It involves using the same words said the same way at the same times. You can use verbal routines from television shows or YouTube, such as the Clean Up song from Barney or phrases and songs from Miss Rachel. You can even create your own. The key to creating a successful verbal routine is that it is predictable and has distinct intonation. For example, at bedtime always saying “Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite”, or every time something falls saying “Oh no, it fell dooown”.
Verbal routines are a simple and effective method to enhance your child’s understanding of new words in meaningful ways. Children need to hear new words repeatedly over time to understand and use them, and daily repetition helps them attach meaning to these words and phrases. Eventually, your child will mimic your verbal routine and even fill in the blanks when you give an expectant pause.
Verbal routines also help children anticipate what event and words come next. Creating a verbal routine should be fun and easy to remember. First, think of one activity you do with your child daily or multiple times a day. For example, getting dressed. Start small for early language learners; “one hand, two hands, shirt is on!” and increase vocabulary and length as their abilities increase “one hand in, two hands in, my shirt is on!”. Then, REPEAT for as long as your child needs! Experiment with an expectant pause to encourage them to complete the phrase.
Here are some of our favorite verbal routines that include sing-song melodies to help us remember:
Tune of “Row your Boat”-“Scrub, scrub, scrub your hands, keep them nice and clean!”
Tune of “ABC’s”- “Now it’s time to go to sleep, hush, hush [name] have sweet dreams”
Tune of “Clean up”- “Pick up, pick up, every toy everywhere.”
Try adding a phrase during play times:
“1, 2, 3, GO!”
“Up, up, up, DOWN!
“Ready or not, here I come”
“Peek-a-boo, I see you”
“Beep beep, watch out!”
Include phrases like these throughout the day:
“Lights off/on”
“Open/close door”
“I did it!”
“Look what I see”
“Knock, knock, anybody home?”
Use these phrases consistently and you'll soon see your child blossoming and following your lead. Remember, a brief pause can give your child the confidence to chime in to complete the verbal routine. As speech therapists, we encourage you to embrace these strategies at home and watch the magic unfold.
If you need specific ideas or would like a speech pathologist's expert opinion on your child's speech and language development, email us below to schedule your free consultation. Let's embark on this journey together! 🌟🗣️✨
