RL.B.21 GIVES AN OBJECT TO THE SPEAKER WHEN ASKED

The actions of giving and pointing (which is taught in RL.B.22) can be used to indicate a choice between alternatives. You have probably used the direction ‘give’ many times already, pairing the word with the gesture.

Many small children respond to ‘give’ by hastily putting the object out of reach, with or without a gleeful grin! If your child does this, she needs to learn that giving can be part of an enjoyable two-way game, and is not merely a means of depriving her of a forbidden treasure!

How to Assess

Materials: Any toy.

Method: When your child is holding the toy, make eye contact with her and say ‘Give it to me.’ Do not hold out your hand. Give 3 tries.

Score plus if your child gives you the toy in at least 2 out of 3 tries.

How to Teach

Teach by playing a game in which you and your child take turns: ‘Give it to me’ .. . ‘Now I give it to you.’

Give physical help if it is needed for the first couple of turns, and then give your child a chance to give without help.

Continue teaching until your child gives the object to you at your first request.

Playtime and Round-the-house Activities

As well as playing this game, you can use situations that arise naturally to practise ‘give’. Try involving your child in a domestic activity, such as cooking, and give her something to hold which you will soon need. When the time comes, say something like: ‘Oh, I need the … now. You give me the . . .’

Your child may also initiate interactions by giving things to you spontaneously. This is a significant communicative gesture. Respond by showing a warm interest in the object she has given you.

Remembering and Extending

This skill will be practised and extended in other Receptive Language Sequences. Note that this skill and RL.B.22 are prerequisites for beginning Sequence RL.C.: Choosing Between Alternatives: Objects and Pictures.