More Please at Snack
A snack routine that invites children to combine two words to request food.
Ages 18–36 months
Materials
- A snack the child likes, served in small portions
Steps
- Offer a small first portion and wait.
- When the child wants more, model the phrase "more cracker" and pause.
- Honor any two-word attempt right away by giving the snack.
- Repeat across the snack, expanding the child's words by one.
Variations
- Use the same routine at bubble play ("more bubbles") or with a wind-up toy.
Differentiation
- For beginners, accept one word plus a sign as the two-part message.
- For older children, model three-word phrases.
Accessibility
- Two-symbol AAC or two-sign combinations count as two-word phrases.
Safety
- Choose choke-safe foods and watch for allergies.
Practices these skills
Evidence
- CDC "Learn the Signs. Act Early." Developmental Milestones — U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · 2022 · U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Early Atlas