Cooking together can be a great opportunity to model language using augmentative/alternative communication (AAC). When creating a meal or snack together, communication partners (you!) can help a student learn vocabulary by using the AAC yourself to comment on what’s happening during the preparation, ask an open-ended question about the steps in the recipe, or describe attributes of the ingredients. While cooking together, respond to whatever the student expresses using the AAC.
Modeling the use of words while making brownies or other snacks together can be fun, engaging, and yummy!
The following is an example created by Speech-Language Pathologist Shawnda Saul who models language using an AAC application while making brownies.
- Comment on the brownies using phrases like “It is good”, “I like it”, and “I put it in.”
- Ask an open ended question like “What’s next?”
- Respond when the child communicates anything.