Verbal Routines: An Easy and Powerful Language Strategy

What is a Verbal Routine?

Verbal Routines are words and phrases that are repeated within the same familiar routine, in the same way, every time. This could be the "Night night!" that you wish your little one at bedtime or the "All clean!" that you say at the end of a diaper change. Why are they so important? They provide toddlers with a predictable and repetitive phrase that is embedded within a meaningful routine. This predictability and repetition helps tremendously with your toddler's understanding and use of words in familiar contexts.

How do I use Verbal Routines?

Whether you realize it or not, you probably already have some verbal routines with your child! You can make these as effective as possible by fine-tuning the phrases that you use within these routines and ensuring that you repeat them in the same way, every time. Verbal routines are unique to you and your family, so there's no 'one-size-fits-all' routine that you need to be using. Start by considering the types of routines that you engage in with your child. If you're not already using these as a language-building opportunity, this is the perfect time to start! Think: meal times, wake up/good night, getting dressed, diaper changes, play time and more.

When will my child start to use words in Verbal Routines?

After your child has become very familiar with the verbal routine, they can serve as a great opportunity to let your child fill-in-the-blank. You can do this by providing the beginning of the phrase only, looking at your child expectantly and seeing if they will fill in the last word. So for instance if you regularly use "1-2-3 Go!" during play scenarios, you could say "1-2.3....." and wait to see if your child will say "Go!". If they don't fill-in-the-blank, just provide them with the word and try again another time.

What are some examples of Verbal Routines?

Meal Time:

"mmm...yummy!"

"wipe, wipe, wipe... all clean!"

"breakfast/lunch/dinner time!"

Getting Dressed:

"zip, zip, zip!"

"one shoe, two shoes"

"arms up!"

Bed time:

"brush, brush, brush!"

"night night!"

"lights off!"

Play time:

"1-2-3..Go!"

"Ready, set, go!"

"Clean up! Clean up!'

Give some of these a try and remember to always keep things light and fun!

-- Meg