Use single words signs or symbols  

Bag

Familiar objects

1. Take it in turns to take an object out of the bag;
2. Name or sign the object.

Variation:

Sing a short phrase ( 'what's in the bag, what's in the bag, Harriet take a look, Harriet take a look') before each child's turn.

Pictures of everyday objects

You could use photos, or create using symbols

The child gets a picture which they say or sign the name of before showing the others.

Everyday objects

Shopping bag

Table

One child sits at the 'shop'. Another is asked to go and buy an object.

Pictures of everyday objects

Post box

For pictures of everyday objects, you could use photos, or create using symbols

1. Take a picture of an object;

2. Say or sign what it is;

3. Post it.

Pictures of objects with paper clips attached

Magnetic fishing rods (e.g. each made out of a magnet, string and a pencil, or bought)

'Pond' e.g. a flat box

For the pictures of objects, you could use photos, drawings, or create using symbols

1. Put the pictures in the box;

2. Take turns to fish for a picture;

3. Say/sign what is fished out.

Use this with any activity

Give the child a choice of two items to use to encourage the naming of things, e.g. 'bubbles or ball?', 'orange or blackcurrant?'

Eight picture cards;

Small piece of paper with a fish drawn on it

For the picture cards, you could use photos of objects, or create using symbols

1. One person hides a piece of paper (with a picture of a fish on it) under one of the cards whilst everyone else has their eyes closed.

2. The children take it in turns to guess under which card the fish is hidden - they must say the names of the objects on the cards - they are not allowed to point.

Play equipment such as tea set, teddies, dolls; cars, bricks, play people etc.

Could also be done with outdoor play equipment or in any other play situation.

1. Allow the child to play with the toys freely with the minimum amount of help or intervention.
2. Using single key words only, comment on what the child is doing. For example 'teddy'; ... 'eating'; ... 'fall.

No specific materials. Activities could be: painting, walking around the school, play.

Use single key words relating to what the child is doing. For example as they go through the door, you can say 'door', as they paint you can say 'painting'.