Our words are powerful in many ways. So powerful that they can even help us make pictures within our minds! One area that I love to incorporate when working on language is called visual imagery.
Stated simply, visual imagery is when we make pictures in our mind to help us remember something. This strategy helps many individuals learn new information, as well as be able to store that information to use later in different situations in their lives. The best part of this strategy? It is a GREAT way to EXPAND language skills!
Descriptive Language
While it can be quick and easy to talk about an object by labeling it, such as “I want an apple”, we can take this to the next level by adding in descriptive language. Descriptive language gives us more information by using words that relate to our different senses (sight, smell, sound, touch, taste) or to our past experiences. This could include: an object’s category, what you do with it, size, parts, materials, texture, color, shape, scent, where you find it, and much much more!
Examples of Descriptive Language
Using my example from earlier, you could describe an apple by saying it/it is:
- Red, green, or yellow
- Circular
- Small enough to fit in your hand
- A food
- A fruit
- It’s something you eat
- You can bite into or cut/slice into pieces
- Something you find at the grocery store
- You might find this in your kitchen
- This has smooth skin
- Is juicy inside
- Has seeds in the middle
- Might hear a crunch when you bite into it
Make it a Game!
You might be wondering…how can I incorporate this into my everyday life? Here’s one game idea that you can adapt for any daily task or routine…even riding in the car!
“I spy…”
- While doing any activity, take turns with your child describing an object for the other to guess! Use elements like those mentioned above to help the other person “picture” what object you are talking about
- p.s. Remember not to say its name 🙂
- How to make this more challenging?
- Include concepts for what the item is NOT. For example, if describing an apple:
- Example: It is something you eat…it is circular… it is NOT a dessert…It is NOT bigger than your hand, etc.
Written by: Caroline Farney, MS CCC-SLP
