Clever cueing strategy for WHY-questions
WH questions (Who, What, Where, etc.) are particularly difficult part of speech therapy, as I've written about before. WHY is a particularly difficult WH question because it's more abstract, cause and effect. The answer is often not a Thing or an Action. You can see how hard this is by trying to fine a picture for Why answers.
Try this at home
- Find a picture that leaves a clear impression on you. (In the examples below, it's someone cold, someone dirty.
(See my article on how to find pictures for speech therapy (even actions!) - Talk about the picture.
- Introduce the answer in the discussion.
- Confirm the patient understands the picture and the discussion.
- Ask your Why question about the picture.
Try the Examples below:

- Is it warm or cold?
- Is that snow on the ground?
- Why is he wearing a warm coat?

- Is he dirty?
- What is all over him?
- Does he need a bath?
- Do you think is parents want him to take a bath?
- Why does he need to take a bath?

- What is this furry thing?
- What is he chasing?
- Why is the dog running?
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Clay Nichols
Co-founder of MoreSpeech and Bungalow Software for unlimited speech therapy at home and in the clinic.
For 3 decades, Clay has helped patients, caregivers and speech pathologists with & language softwspeech are. He shares the tips & tricks he's picked up along the way. He is not a speech therapst. Consult your speech therapist regarding any tips you read anywhere, including the Rehab Resources.
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