I’m adding to these specific language therapy ideas on the individual pages, and making a large list over on The Language Fix blog.  It’s gonna be HUGE!  This is just the start…

Attributes/Functions

Catalog.  Get out a catalog. Talk about the items for sale.

Example statements:  “Why would somebody want a coat?” “It keeps you warm”. “Why do people buy wallets?”  “Why are those pillows so big?”  “What do you need umbrellas for?”  “Are those shoes big or little?”  “Does that blanket look comfortable?”  “Could I wear those gloves, or would they be too tight?”

Textbook.  Get out a textbook. Instruct student to describe vocabulary words at or below student’s level by using functions.

Example statements:  “What does a period do?”  “What is a shelter?”  “Why do bears have to hibernate?”  “What is a map?”  “Why would you need an index?”  “What was a covered wagon?” “What is the Constitution?”

Look around you. Describe functions of objects in your environment or of things commonly seen in offices. Take a walk, and describe functions of things seen in the hall out the window, etc.

Example statements:  “What is a stapler?” “It attaches papers together.” “What is a trash dumpster?” “It holds the building’s trash until the garbage men get it.”

Specific interests.  For example, for younger kids, talk about video games, television, or sports, or for older students talk about cooking, construction, or health care.  Discuss

specific interests.  Use the internet if needed.

Example statements:  “What does a cutting board do?” “What does a remote do?” “What do anesthesiologists do?”

Homework maker:  Create a list of from five to ten words at student’s level.  Write directions such as the following:  “Provide a function for each vocabulary word.”  Write helper next to a blank line for any helper to sign.  Provide individualized incentives for completed return.  For example: