Using Snack-Time to Work on Communication Skills
Updated: Aug 25
In this article we will discuss:
By Amy Dearing, M.A., CCC-SLP at Better Speech
Did you know that toddlers learn best during their everyday activities? That’s why a big focus of speech therapy with this age group centers on teaching parents and family members language-learning strategies that they can embed in their daily routines. One routine familiar to many families of toddlers is snacktime. Here are a few tips you can use to facilitate your child’s language development during your toddler’s snacktime.
Tip 1: Using choice questions.
A choice question is when you give your child two clearly named choices to select from. An example is: ”Would you like to eat some apple or a banana?” It’s best if you show the actual items to your child as you name them, as this reinforces the link between the word and the item. You also want to be sure you are offering two items that are acceptable options (in other words, don’t offer something that’s not okay for your child to have).
I teach parents to use choice questions for several reasons, including:
● Choice questions provide more language support than open ended questions, such as asking “What do you want?” Open-ended questions can be overwhelming for our little language learners. By naming two choices, you are modeling the words that your child needs to give a response.
● Choice questions promote greater vocabulary use than questions that require only a yes/no response, such as “Do you want an apple?” Rather than needing to say or indicate ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ choice questions promote use of a greater variety of words.
● Using choice questions reinforces the idea that we can use words to make requests -- so we’re working on language in a practical, functional way. Learning language in real-life situations is ideal for toddlers.
Does your child need help with communication skills?
When you ask a choice question, your child may not use one of the words to answer. He or she may reach, point, or even look at the one he wants. This is okay! Accept his or her response and model the word for him or her again. Encourage your child, in a gentle and positive way, to try to say the word, but do not demand it. Praise his/her effort. Remember, your child will learn language best in the context of a warm, supportive partnership.
Tip 2: Use of repetition.
Children learning language need to hear words many, many times before they use them. I like to teach parents to use key words 3-5 times during an interaction. So, if your child selects the apple for his or her snack, you could respond by saying: “Apple! You want some apple. This is a red apple. Apples are yummy!” This response includes use of the key word “apple” four times (and you’re also expanding vocabulary with additional words such as ‘red’ and ‘yummy’). Try to use your voice to ‘highlight’ or stress the key word. Keep your sentences short and simple. I like to use an animated voice with the toddlers I work with -- it really captures their attention!
Another way to utilize repetition is to cut the apple into many small pieces, and name it each time you give your child a piece. Repetition may seem boring to us, but it is highly beneficial to children learning language. As adults, we easily tire of repetition, but children thrive on it as a means of learning about the world.
While this article discussed choice questions and repetition as they relate to snacktime, they certainly can be used across a variety of daily routines. Think about how you can use them in other routines such as getting dressed, play time, bath time, getting ready to go out, outside play, and so on.
Do you need some ideas for what to work on with your child? You can download a month of ideas. Download the calendar here:
At Better Speech, we offer online speech therapy services convenient for you and tailored to your child's individual needs. Our services are affordable and effective - get Better Speech now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is best to start using snack time for speech practice?
You can start as early as 12 to 18 months, when children begin pointing, babbling, and making simple requests. Snack time works well at any age, though, because food is naturally motivating. Even school-age kids benefit from structured conversation practice built into a familiar, low-pressure routine.
What kinds of communication skills can snack time actually target?
Snack time is surprisingly versatile. You can work on requesting words like 'more' or 'please,' expand vocabulary by naming foods and textures, practice turn-taking in conversation, and build sentence length by modeling phrases like 'I want crackers.' For children working on articulation, snack time gives natural repetition without feeling like a drill.
How do I encourage my child to talk without making snack time feel like a test?
Keep the mood light and follow your child's lead. Pause and wait expectantly after offering a choice, giving your child space to respond without pressure. Narrate what is happening using simple language, and celebrate any attempt to communicate, whether it is a word, a gesture, or even eye contact. The goal is connection first, communication second.
Should I withhold snacks to get my child to communicate, or is that harmful?
Brief, playful pauses, such as holding up a cracker and waiting a moment before handing it over, are a well-established speech therapy technique and are perfectly fine. However, prolonged withholding that causes distress is not recommended. The snack should always feel like a reward for the interaction, not a consequence for silence.
When should I seek professional help if snack-time practice does not seem to be working?
If your child is not making progress after a few consistent weeks, or if you notice red flags like limited eye contact, no functional words by 18 months, or frustration during communication attempts, it is a good time to consult a speech-language pathologist. Better Speech offers licensed, insurance-ready care with no waitlists, so you can connect with a specialist quickly and get a clear plan in place.
About the Author
Aycen Zambuto
I’m a seasoned educator in speech therapy with over six years of experience helping people navigate challenges in communication. Throughout this time, I’ve found joy in guiding individuals through a variety of therapeutic journeys, from toddlers with apraxia to seniors with dysphonia.
I’m passionate about demystifying this complex world of speech therapy and helping readers around the globe achieve clear and effective communication. When I’m not writing about speech, you’ll often find me reading, traveling or spending time with friends and family.
