Coloring isn’t only an exercise for the imagination. It can also be a great chance for developing communication. Coloring is full of turn taking, requests and responses, and provides so many chances for comments. So don’t just pull out the paper and crayons… pull out Talk Suite as well. And share some wonderful time with your budding artist!
1. Go to Talk Topics and choose “Coloring.” That topic specifically supports the activity you two are doing to do.
You’ll have a great time as you explore the wonderful and empowering language in Coloring with your child.
As always, don’t forget to go over the phrases ahead of time so you feel comfortable as you best support and engage with your child.
2. Provide examples so your child how easy this can be. Under DO THIS, have them tap “I’d like to color.”
(If your child can’t figure this out, help them by tapping it yourself.)
Then, tell your child something like, “Well, then that’s what we’ll do!” Remember to be encouraging!
Next, show how to ask for things, by modeling the first five buttons under Colors. As you hit each color, hold up or point to the same colored crayon.
If your child isn’t sure what to do next, maybe ask, “Do you want me to pick a color?” and guide them to the next button.
And remember that your child is learning. Sometimes success comes quickly. Sometimes it can take longer.
3. You can also ask your child about their favorite colors.
And if you want more colors, or add ideas lighter or darker, use the Color Folder within Quick Topics.
Happy Coloring!
Colorful Tips For Advanced Communicators
• After a good session, don’t forget to create a story about what you just drew…. and share it out! You can add it to the Stuff/Story column here… or put it into the Story area.
• Talk Topics are a great way to communication within a certain area. But you can also remind your child to go to Quick Chat, for example, to ask for a drink or snack!
• Kids don’t simply need to learn how to communicate. They need to learn why it’s important. About the engagement it creates! So don’t forget to ask your child if they like what they’re doing… and explore the fun of the Thumbs Up and Thumbs Down comments.
• Kids don’t simply need to learn how to communicate. They need to learn why it’s important. About the engagement it creates! So don’t forget to ask your child if they like what they’re doing… and explore the fun of the Thumbs Up and Thumbs Down comments.