Speech Pathology
Receptive Language Activity
“What am I?” Guessing Game
This activity aims to develop listening and comprehension skills (receptive language)
which will be important for later school learning.
During this activity the child is given a number of information segments which must be
integrated to solve the riddle. This skill is related to the ability to see the whole picture
or main idea. Solving the riddle may require some ‘guess work’ initially but attempts
should be encouraged, so long as the student does not focus on one detail only!
Directions are as follows:
Ø This game is suitable for any size group but works best for small groups of 4-6
children taking turns. For younger children use stimulus cards which may be given as
a reward for a correct guess or play with a point system for groups of older children.
Ø Introduce the activity as a ‘guessing game’ where they have to guess what you’re
thinking of – provide a single clue then allow the child to guess what it might be.
Attempt to provide more general clues initially then gradually make the clues more
specific.
eg “This thing lives in water – what do you think it is?”
Ø If you feel it’s required, repeat previous clues when introducing a new clue.
eg “It lives in water and has 8 legs . . . .”
Ø If answers are incorrect – reinforce the attempt but explain why the answer is wrong
and highlight information the child may have missed.
eg “Good try – a spider does have 8 legs – but this thing lives under water and it has 8
legs – do you want another clue?”
Ø Always reinforce correct answers (by providing points /card to colour in etc) and
Ø If the child is unable to guess correctly after a number of clues , provide the answer
and go through the clues to ensure they’ve understood.
eg “It’s an OCTOPUS! – they’ve got 8 legs AND they live underwater”
Craig Suosaari
Speech Pathologist
Rural Primary Health Services - Hastings Macleay
Phone: 65882638 / 0401140052
Email: Craig.Suosaari@ncahs.health.nsw.gov.au
Speech Pathology
General Suggestions for Improving Receptive Language
‘Receptive Language’ covers the comprehension of gesture, verbal and written
language. It is basically the process of being able to understand what words and
sentences mean.
Problems may include: - poor comprehension of vocabulary / inability to understand and
follow instructions / difficulty comprehending social situations. This area may also
impact a child’s emotional and social well-being.
Some simple ideas for helping your child’s Receptive Language development include:
* Check you child’s hearing. A child unable to hear is dependant on gesture, context and
routine.
* Gain their attention prior to giving instructions or asking questions. You may have to
turn off the TV.
* Simplify your language. If a child doesn’t seem to understand an instruction - try it
again but keep your sentence short and simple.
* Make use of additional cues. Stress the important words, use gesture and facial
expression, draw attention to contextual and routine cues or simply repeat the message.
* Model the correct response. If you ask a question or give an instruction that the child
doesn’t respond to appropriately show them the correct response.
* Draw attention to peer or sibling models.
* Take into account other factors including memory, attention, behaviour and
compliance.
Craig Suosaari
Speech Pathologist
Rural Primary Health Services - Hastings Macleay
Phone: 65882638 / 0401140052
Email: Craig.Suosaari@ncahs.health.nsw.gov.au