Topic “Vocabulary/word finding”  

- Printable subcategory dice templates

:Animals

:Food

:Household Items

- Printable subcategory cards

:Animals

:Food

:Household Items

1. Choose which subcategory you would like to focus on. Cut out and make up the dice. Cut out the matching subcategory cards.
2. Spread the subcategory cards on the surface in front of you and your child.
3. Explain to your child that you are going to take turns at rolling the dice, which ever side the dice lands on, you need to find a picture that fits into that category.
4. Name the item that you have found. If you child is finding it challenging to name items try using some of the strategies to support word finding - click here (add link)
5. Remember some items might fit in 2 or more subcategories dependent on the child's personal experience. You could use this as a discussion point.

- category dice template - click here

- printable category cards (click on each category):

     - clothes

     - animals

     - body parts

     - food

     - transport

     - toys

1. Cut out and make up the category dice. Cut out the category cards.
2. Spread the category cards on the surface in front of you and your child.
3. Explain to your child that you are going to take turns at rolling the dice, which ever side the dice lands on, you need to find a picture that fits into that category.
4. Name the item that you have found. If you child is finding it challenging to name items try using some of the strategies to support word finding - click here (add link)
5. Remember some items might fit in 2 or more subcategories dependent on the child's personal experience. You could use this as a discussion point.

Written word with a picture

Written sounds for beginning/ end of each word

Visuals for the story

Dictionary (maybe)

Ideas you can use to help word learning - you do not need to use all of them, and some will work better than others for different children.

1. Introduce the written form of the word;

2. Say the word to the child and ask for repetition;

3. Ask the child to clap syllables on your or their hands, use prompting if necessary. Or alternatively they could tap the syllables out on pictures of drums (say four arranged in a row);

4. Ask if any other words rhyme with this new word (think of examples yourself) - you could take this in turns in a group;

5. Ask for beginning and ending sounds;

6. Tell the child a short story or anecdote, including the word as the main feature if possible - or work with the child to work a story out;

7. Give an explicit definition (school dictionary maybe - some dictionaries are more helpful than others for this!) and give context(s) preferably first one being the one used in the story as it’s familiar but make sure to offer other contexts;

8. Ask the child if they can put the word in a sentence/ tell a short story including the word;

9. If ability allows, ask the child if they know of any word which means a similar thing.