Language at the Pumpkin Patch

Welcome October! In continuation of our “Language at the…” Series, our next stop is the pumpkin patch. We did our due diligence in the name of research and traveled down to Apple Annie’s in Willcox, AZ, to get a firsthand look at what exactly language in the pumpkin patch looks like for children of all ages. The following is a list of recommended strategies for eliciting language while enjoying October festivities!

Strategy #1: Sabotage 

Definition: Sabotage, in terms of speech and language acquisition, is a very helpful tool and not as malevolent as it sounds. In our sessions in the clinic, we use sabotage with our little ones who are pre-verbal or minimally verbal. We may put some favorite items/toys in sight but just out of reach and give them the opportunity to request via gesture, vocalization, or joint attention. This strategy is especially effective with those little ones who are amazingly independent and have decided they’re self-sufficient enough to not need assistance or a communication partner.

How we can incorporate this at the pumpkin patch: Sabotage is great for the pumpkin patch because children generally need help picking out a pumpkin, picking it up, and taking it home. After the perfect pumpkin is chosen, you can cut it out of the patch for your child while modeling environmental sounds or words (i.e. “chop chop chop”, or “cut”, “cut it out”, depending on what level of language your child is working on). After that, you can allow your child to attempt picking up the pumpkin to carry it. If they’re successful, awesome--you have quite the strong child! If not, that’s an opportunity for language. Allow them the opportunity to realize they need your help and allow them to initiate on their own terms. Again, depending on what level of language acquisition your child is working towards, you may honor a tug on your pants, an eye gaze in your direction, an attempt at vocalizing (i.e. saying “elp” for “help”), or a full sentence (i.e. “Can you help me?”). 

*Something we need to consider with sabotage is balancing the frequency of its use. For example, using this strategy before bedtime when your child is tired is perhaps not the best time for this as they may become frustrated. We like to be strategic when we use sabotage because our goal is to create positive interactions and the internal desire to communicate. 

Strategy #2: Modeling

Definition: Modeling is when you provide your child with a model, or an example, of how one could communicate an idea. This can be done verbally, manually (with gestures/sign language), or with AAC (alternative augmentative communication, i.e. iPads or devices, or low-tech communication facilitated with the use of pictures). 

How we can incorporate this at the pumpkin patch: The pumpkin patch is the perfect environment for increasing modeling and decreasing communication demands. Why? Because this is likely an unfamiliar or new environment. In unfamiliar environments, children are more likely to be working on receptive language as opposed to their expressive language (or in other words, they are in observing-mode). Providing your child with great language models at the pumpkin patch may sound like:

“Wow! Pumpkins!”

“Look at all those pumpkins!”

“So many colors. I see a green one.” 

“Let’s pick one.” 

“I see 2 over there.” 

“Let’s run to the pink one!” (Maybe now is a good time to mention that Apple Annie’s doesn’t only have orange pumpkins! They have pink, white, green, and blue pumpkins, too!)

In addition to language learning, the pumpkin patch is a great location for talking about food with our little ones with food aversions/sensitivities. Apple Annie’s has an apple orchard, a veggie farm, a grill, and a little shop with more yummy treats! There are many new foods to try (if your child is at that stage with trying new foods), or you can practice smelling new foods, or describing what they look and feel like. 

Fostering communication at the pumpkin patch is nearly effortless (especially with how beautiful and exciting Apple Annie’s is)! If you have other ideas, comment below and let us know! We love sharing ideas and learning from you, too!

And, as always, if you suspect your child’s speech and language development may not be quite on track, you are welcome to call us for a free 15-minute consultation and we would be happy to discuss your questions/concerns (or meet you down in Willcox for some pumpkin pie).