I’ve mentioned giving your child an “expectant look” a lot in my stories, IGTV videos, and posts but today I’d like to be a little more specific regarding the why and the when!
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WHY would we use an expectant look? I would use this purposeful facial expression to signal it’s the child’s “turn” in the conversation. I use it instead of “say” or “use your words” as it allows the child to imitate without an immediate verbal prompt. This ultimately leads to increased initiation and independence— which is our goal!
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So WHEN would we use an expectant look? During a highly motivating activity. I would start the activity by pairing an exciting action with a model of the target word. In the picture example above, I could easily model “on” or “go”. I would say it at least 3 times while putting the ring on the stacker to teach the association. By doing this we are teaching WHAT word we are saying and WHEN we say it.
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The expectant look let’s them know WHO can say it. So on the next turn, I would give the child “the look” (almost like you’re saying “your turn!”) right before putting on the ring so they know THEY can say the word.
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As always- accept any attempt at communication and reward them with the desired action!
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PRO TIP* the expectant look works best when followed by a nice long pause so your child has time to prepare to take their turn. I’m sorry y’all but it needs to be long enough to feel awkward 🤣
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Have you caught yourself giving an expectant look to your child?
.
WHY would we use an expectant look? I would use this purposeful facial expression to signal it’s the child’s “turn” in the conversation. I use it instead of “say” or “use your words” as it allows the child to imitate without an immediate verbal prompt. This ultimately leads to increased initiation and independence— which is our goal!
.
So WHEN would we use an expectant look? During a highly motivating activity. I would start the activity by pairing an exciting action with a model of the target word. In the picture example above, I could easily model “on” or “go”. I would say it at least 3 times while putting the ring on the stacker to teach the association. By doing this we are teaching WHAT word we are saying and WHEN we say it.
.
The expectant look let’s them know WHO can say it. So on the next turn, I would give the child “the look” (almost like you’re saying “your turn!”) right before putting on the ring so they know THEY can say the word.
.
As always- accept any attempt at communication and reward them with the desired action!
.
PRO TIP* the expectant look works best when followed by a nice long pause so your child has time to prepare to take their turn. I’m sorry y’all but it needs to be long enough to feel awkward 🤣
.
Have you caught yourself giving an expectant look to your child?
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