The winter holidays are full of food, family and fun. Here are some ideas for including your AAC communicator in the kitchen.
Core vocabulary is plentiful during cooking. Think about all of the things you “put in” “turn on,” “get,” and “open.” However fringe words are important too, like “microwave,” “stir,” and our favorite, “hot chocolate!” Model these words on your child’s speech generating device (SGD) throughout each activity.
If you really get excited about cooking like we do, sometimes there are spills. Use a clear plastic shower cap to keep liquids off of your child’s SGD. Alternately (or in addition), use the Communication Placemat from our Free Resources page. Don’t forget to download our free strip of fringe words just for making hot chocolate!
If your child isn’t reading yet, video recipes can be helpful. Check out the newest Family Freebie on our Free Resources page, an e-book recipe with video models for each step of making instant hot chocolate. You can find a variety of picture recipes (or make your own) on the Accessible Chef website.
This still frame was taken from a video model in our Let’s Make Hot Chocolate recipe. It demonstrates putting hot chocolate powder in the mug.
Rather than using hand-over-hand assistance, think about using assistive technology to increase independence when needed. For example, the Pouring Cup on Flex Mount by Enabling Devices can be used to add ingredients to a mixing bowl or blender. The PowerLink by Ablenet can allow your child to turn on a mixer or blender just by hitting a switch.
Whatever you’re cooking up this holiday season, make sure to create opportunities for communication. Happy holidays from all of us at Technology & Language Center, PC!