About this resource
Describing words make language richer. This activity builds describing words across colour, size, shape, texture, feeling and sound, with a 'guess what I'm describing' game and a chart for describing objects.
Purpose
To build descriptive vocabulary.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Speech pathologists. Also relevant for educators and school support staff.
Client or participant group: Children building vocabulary and descriptive language.
Practice setting: Speech pathology, classrooms and home practice.
Suggested uses
- Vocabulary building
- Speech pathology sessions
- Classroom language
- Home practice
Instructions for practitioners
- Use real objects.
- Model describing words.
- Play the guessing game.
- Expand the child's descriptions.
Instructions for clients or participants
- Pick an object.
- Describe it.
- Can someone guess it?
Accessibility considerations
Use real objects and pictures.
Scope and limitations
A learning activity.
Research basis
Parent-implemented language strategies and interactive shared reading support children's language development.
- Mol, S. E., Bus, A. G., de Jong, M. T., & Smeets, D. J. H. (2008). Added Value of Dialogic Parent–Child Book Readings: A Meta-Analysis. Early Education and Development, 19(1), 7–26. https://doi.org/10.1080/10409280701838603
- Roberts, M. Y., & Kaiser, A. P. (2011). The Effectiveness of Parent-Implemented Language Interventions: A Meta-Analysis. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 20(3), 180–199. https://doi.org/10.1044/1058-0360(2011/10-0055)
What is included
A 2-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced.
