Engaging the Child

Engage and/or suggest: look at same thing, name what she's looking at, ask question, comment (encourage child to do something more elaborate)

When your child initiates, often you request her to elaborate. That is, you encourage your child to say or do something that is more complex than what she originally said or did. This is a way to encourage your child to use a skill that you want her to learn. We call what you do "encouraging an elaboration." You might encourage an elaboration by asking your child to say additional words or to do something specific. Also, you might just look at what she is doing and show your interest. It should feel like an encouragement, not an order.

Sometimes, if you do not hear or understand your child's initiation, you may need to ask for clarification. This means asking your child to repeat what he said or did so you can better understand it. This is different from encouraging elaboration. When you encourage an elaboration, you already believe you understand your child's initiation and are now giving him the chance to do or say something that is more complex than what he did at first.

It is important that what you say is related to your child's initiation. Also, you should give your child the chance to practice a specific skill.