Fun activities to encourage your child to develop a need to get information from someone else!
1. Throwing a toy back and forth: The communication partner moves to different areas around the room and waits to throw the toy when your child gives eye contact. Don’t verbally cue your child to look. Simply wait. You can throw large beanbags, balls, balloons, stuffed animals, etc.
2. Play cards: Play games like “Crazy 8’s”, “Go Fish”, or “Slap Jack” that are fun and interactive. Wait for your turn until your child looks up at you. Make gasping noises or groaning noises to signify a good/bad hand or card. The more animated you can make your face, the better!
3. Silent “Simon Says”: Have a few piles of similar objects (eg. bean bags). Look at an object and using your eyes only, with no words, show your child where to put the object (eg. Look at a beanbag and scan to a basketball hoop). If he/she does it wrong, give him a head nod no; if he does it right, give him a big smile. Encourage your child to take turns in this game as well. You could also have fun putting tools or dishes away. The object is for your child to pay attention to the nonverbal information you are giving him.
