Today’s post is going to focus on how the game Scattergories can help develop your child’s communication skills.
Vocabulary
- Help your child understand what categories means (words that belong in groups), discuss different categories involved in the game and brainstorm some words that would fit in the category
- This game will require your child to extend their vocabulary by focusing on vocabulary that start with a specific letter
Expressive language
- If your child is familiar with the game, have them explain the rules to you
- Get your child to say all the words they chose at the end of the game
- Brainstorm other words that start with the chosen letter and name the category they would be in
Understanding language
- Break down the rules step-by-step for your child to understand
- Use visuals to support with their understanding
- Have your child point to objects in the house that fall in the chosen categories
Literacy
- This game requires reading and writing skills!
- Help your child read category names
- Help your child write down words for each category
Social skills
- If your child has never played this game before, it would be best to play that game together (depending on your child’s level)
- Model appropriate game-play behaviour – e.g. winning/losing statements, taking turns
- Demonstrate inappropriate game-play behaviour (e.g. cheating) and discuss the effects of this behaviour on the game and the relationship between the players
- Support with emotional regulation if needed – discuss the typical emotions (e.g. disappointed, proud) when losing or winning. Ensure to help your child understand others’ perspectives.
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