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.
Related Blog Posts
If you liked this post you may also like:
FAQ Speech pathology
Language Games
What is Dyspraxia?
Looking after Mum
