This "scavenger hunt" is a simple group activity that helps build your child’s vocabulary as well as helping them learn the function, features and/or adjectives of household items.
The game can be played with one or more children playing together as a team or individually.
Activity: Vocabulary Scavenger Hunt
Targeted Skill: Help build your child’s vocabulary and help them to learn the function/features/adjectives of household items.
Materials:
-
Paper
- Pen
- 5-10 household items (rocking chair, hair brush, lamp, etc)
- Large space
- Small rewards such as stickers
Procedure:
- The object of the game is for the child to go on a “scavenger hunt” around the house to find an item based on its description (using an items function, feature, or adjective). The final destination is rewarding for the child, such as a favorite game to play with the adult, a fun snack, a new toy, watching a movie, etc.
- Before the game begins, the adult writes down a description for the each of the objects that will be used. Place a different description with each object so that it will lead the child to the next location.
- If your child is not reading yet, the adult can verbally give the next description.
- If your child needs support and reinforcement while finding the next targeted item, the adult could give “hot” and “cold” cues to let the child know if they are in the right room, right area etc.
- Once your child finds each item throughout the scavenger hunt, he can be rewarded with high 5, a sticker, etc.
- When the final item is found, reward your child with something fun and exciting!
- Here is an example of how a game might go:
Clue |
Where it leads |
Reward |
You sleep on it |
Child’s bed |
High 5 |
It cleans your teeth |
Child’s toothbrush |
A sticker |
It washes clothes |
Washing Machine |
High 5 |
It keeps food cold |
Refrigerator |
A sticker |
Holds what you want to drink |
Cupboard where cups are kept. |
A special STAR on a cup for the child and they get a favorite drink (Hot Chocolate on a cold winter day, Sprite, etc.) |
Options:
- This game could be played with more than one child. They could work in groups or individually.
- Role Reversal! The child could write down descriptions for the adult to follow and hide them around the house. This will help the child learn to formulate vocabulary/functions/features/adjectives expressively.
Do you have an activity you would like to share?
If you have an activity you find helpful and fun, please send us your activity for consideration on the "Activities Can Teach" portion of our website and newsletter. [please review our terms]
Need ideas for an activity that practices on a targeted skill? Send us an email.
Contact: Lindsay Randle
Speech-Language Pathologist
