Pumpkin carving is an excellent seasonal activity to expose your child to new language models and vocabulary! It can be used to target tons of goals for kids of all ages. Check out some ideas below, and ask your SLP for their recommendations based on your child’s specific language needs!
Describing: Before, during and after carving, take turns describing the pumpkin and what you are doing. Should we carve the big one or the small one first? The pumpkin is orange, heavy, and hard! The inside feels squishy! I’m carving slowly. I’m making a scary face. Your pumpkin looks happy!
Modeling verbs/action words: Emphasize action words while you carve! We are scooping the inside! Look, dad is carving! The pumpkin seeds are baking in the oven. Help me push out the mouth! Let’s wash our hands and wipe the table. I’m putting the candle in.
Requesting assistance: Scooping is likely the best task for little ones, but it can be tricky! Sit back and let your child give it their best shot. When you see them getting frustrated, try modeling “help me” or use a declarative statement, such as “It looks like you might need some help.”
Vocabulary: Expose kids to new vocabulary! For younger kids think about modeling lots of exclamatory words: “yuck”, “wow”, “yikes”, “woah.”
Increase language modeling this season with fall activities! Give it a try and let your SLP know how it goes!