Four word phrases  

Use an event retell sheet with columns for 'who', 'what', 'when', 'where'.

Simple everyday stories, for example:

'Going to the shops to buy new red shoes, nearly not finding red shoes, happiness at finding them at last'

'going out to play in the rain and jumping in puddles. Mum is cross'

'playing football with Dad and Dad kicks the ball into a tree'

'going on the bus on the bus and loosing teddy. Finding him next day at the bus station'.

Tell a story to the child using miniature people, some eg's in next column.

Get the child to retell the story to you. This works well in a small group or in a one to one situation.

Use a retell sheet to help the child answer 'wh' questions about the story. The child can write the answers and/or draw a picture. The child can read the story back to an adult.

Barrier games designed to elicit 4 word phrases e.g. Black Sheet programme

Follow the instructions for using the barrier games.

Photo copy a book which has clear pictures and not too many pages.

Cut out the text.

Put the sheets back as a book and 'read' it with the child.

You may like to act the story out as well with relevant miniature figures.

Can the child 'read' the book back to you? Prompt 'reading' by starting a phrase off if needed.

Use a story retell sheet if necessary to prompt retelling.

Photo play times. Discuss the photos with the child .Can the child describe what is happening using 4 words? Prompt with a starting few words if needed.

Use the story retell sheet if needed.