Sequencing; Three Rivers

I was recently downtown for the American Speech Language and Hearing Association's Schools Conference, and I was in awe of all the activity that was happening on the rivers.  If you would like to target sequencing with your child, I recommend watching the rivers.  Take snapshots of what you see.  Next, work with your child to create a computer slideshow and have her put the main events in order.  This activity targets organization, prediction, comprehension and memory.

Your slideshow may look like this:

"First, we saw a boat."

Image retrieved from http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-boating-trips-near-pittsburgh/

"Then, we saw someone kayaking."

 

Image retrieved from http://www.alleghenyfront.org/story/kayaking-pittsburghs-rivers

"Next, we saw a barge."

Image retrieved from http://rutheh.com/2010/03/10/tugboat-pushing-barges-up-the-monongahela/

"Finally, we saw some tourists."

Image retrieved from http://www.phenomenalplace.com/2013/09/just-ducky-tours-fun-way-to-learn-about.html

*Tips: When creating a slideshow, you may also target: 1. syntax by using words like "first," "next" and "then;" 2. story telling; 3. past-tense grammar; 4. writing.  I will try to develop these other tips in later posts. :)  Please post below any other ideas you may have for this activity!

CCVC (consonant-consonant-vowel-consonant) words; Three rivers

At around three to three-and-a-half years of age, children start to use clusters of sounds in words.  A word structure we often see developing at this age is CCVC (consonant-consonant-vowel-consonant).  The Language Development Survey (LDS) by L. Rescorla lists frequently used words by two- and three-year-olds.  In order to facilitate spontaneous use of these words, I recommend targeting them at the three rivers because many of the CCVCV words from the survey can be found there.  This activity is great for children with normally developing language as well as those with language delays.

 

 Image retrieved from http://cmharlan.blogspot.com/2012/05/paddling-in-pittsburgh.html.

Below are some words from the LDS that can be practiced at the three rivers.  To practice, ask your child to label the items.  For example, if you see a truck on one of the bridges, ask "What's that?"  The answer should be "truck."  If you would like to build your child's language, you can model phrases like "blue truck" or "I see a truck."  Try to elicit each word several times in order to get lots of practice. 

Green

Image retrieved from http://travelonthelevel.blogspot.com/2011/07/pittsburgh-easily-walkable.html

Cloud

Image retrieved from http://www.dannytimpona.com/2014/06/06/pittsburgh-living-andy-warhol-bridge/

Grass

Image retrieved from http://nats320.blogspot.com/2010/09/skyblast-iii.html.

Star

Image retrieved from http://www.geofffox.com/MT/archives/tag/stars

Train

Image retrieved from http://article.wn.com/view/2014/02/21/Pittsburghs_Hot_Metal_Bridge_open_after_barge_hit/

Other CCVC words include clean, stick, bring, close, floor, fridge, glass, spoon, trash, slide, swing, school, store and please.