Get Ready to Say “Boo”… Peek-a-Boo, That Is!
Anticipatory Games and Actions to Support Communication
For many children, communication can feel a little spooky. When they’re not sure what to say or how to join in, the pressure can make talking feel more like a trick than a treat. But here’s the good news—anticipation and predictability can make language a lot less scary! By building simple routines into songs, games, and daily activities, we can give children the confidence they need to take the next step in communication.
🎵 Why Songs Work So Well
Songs are naturally rhythmic and predictable, which is exactly why they support language development. Think about it—if I start singing “Twinkle, twinkle little ____”, chances are you filled in “star” without hesitation. That’s anticipation at work.
For children, songs provide a safe and fun opportunity to practice filling in words, imitating sounds, and predicting what comes next. Pairing music with hand motions adds another layer of learning. When children move their hands in a circle while singing “The wheels on the bus go round and round,” they connect language to action in a powerful way.
The rhythm, rhyme, and repetition in songs make them a perfect tool for easing anxiety and building confidence in communication.
🙈 The Magic of Peek-a-Boo
Games like peek-a-boo may seem simple, but they’re actually rich in language opportunities. Predictable words and actions give children the chance to anticipate and respond.
Try this the next time you play: instead of saying “boo” right away, pause for a few seconds. More often than not, your child will jump in and shout it first! The same is true for other playful routines, like “Ready, set… ____.” That brief pause builds excitement and encourages your child to take the lead.
Anticipatory games like these aren’t just fun—they help children connect cause and effect, predict outcomes, and use their voices in meaningful ways.
🛁 Routines Build Confidence Too
Songs and games aren’t the only places where predictability shines. Daily routines—like getting dressed, brushing teeth, or taking a bath—are full of opportunities to support communication.
Think about all the steps involved:
Put on socks → put on shoes → open the door.
Turn on water → scrub hair → rinse off.
When routines happen consistently, children learn to anticipate what comes next. With a little encouragement, they often begin to say the words themselves, filling in the steps right alongside you. Adding pauses, gestures, or simple prompts creates natural openings for your child to join in.
✨ Takeaway
Communication doesn’t have to be spooky. By weaving anticipation and predictability into songs, games, and routines, we give children the confidence to say the words they know are coming next. Over time, those little “boos!” and “gos!” grow into bigger leaps in language and communication.
So the next time you sing a song, play peek-a-boo, or go through a bedtime routine, pause for a moment. You might be surprised by just how much your child is ready to say.
