Visualizing The Plan

Example of a simple response versus one that uses more specific verbs and details.

Parent Prompt: We are leaving for the beach at 9:00 AM.  Explain to me your plan to get ready by 9:00 AM.

 

Less Detailed:

Child: “I’m going to get my things together and get dressed and be in the car at 9 with my bag.”

More Detailed:

Child: “First I am going to brush my teeth. Then I am going to come downstairs and have breakfast in the kitchen. Once I finish breakfast and put my plate in the sink I am going to walk back upstairs to get dressed. I have to put on my bathing suit before I put my clothes on top. Then I will pack my bag. I think I need to put my googles, a towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses in my bag. Then I will walk back down the stairs with my bag, I will put on my flip flops and then I will get in the car.”

 

Prompts to help your child go from the left to the right:

  • Model talking through your own plans and try to be as specific and precise as possible
  • Give your child the detailed plan of how you’d like them to get ready instead of saying “get ready for...”

 

Try it out and see if you notice a difference this summer!