Case Study: Building Vocabulary

Complete the quiz at the end of this case example to try out your knowledge and get more tips for applying what you've learned.

Ezra is a child with language difficulties. Yael is Ezra’s mother, and she is currently participating in the It Takes Two to Talk^® Program for Parents. During their initial consultation, you observe Ezra and Yael interacting in a variety of activities, including Ezra’s favourite thing to do – playing with dinosaurs!


Here is some of the key information you compile from observing Ezra and Yael interact:

Ezra

Yael

2 years, 10 months old Born five weeks prematurely Communicates using: gestures (e.g., pointing, waving, shaking/nodding his head) sounds that have meaning some words. During the interactions observed, Ezra said, “dog, fish, ball, baby, banana, milk, and boots.” Understands simple questions and responds with gestures or single words Ezra is very active and likes to crash, spin, jump, and run around when he is excited

Has a fast-paced interaction style Frequently changes what is happening in play with toys and games with no toys Makes lots of fun, silly sounds when playing Uses long sentences in various situations, such as, “We have to put on your socks and shoes because we’re gonna get ready to go the park.” Asks many questions, especially when reading books with Ezra. Yael points to items on the page and says, “What’s this? What’s that?” or “Where’s the dog?”

At the end of the session, Yael says, “Ezra picks up a new word sometimes, but he hasn’t learned many new words for a while.” She also reports several more words that Ezra uses (i.e., understands and says himself) consistently. See all the words and gestures Ezra reportedly used below:

Ezra's Word and Gesture Inventory
Gestures	Gives/Shows objects	Shakes head no	Waves
	Nods head for yes	"Uh oh" gesture	Points
	Blows kisses	Actions in songs
"Fun" words	Grr/roar	Woof	Vroom
	Yummy	Uh oh
Words	Bird	Dog	Fish
	Owl	Bike	Bus
	Truck	Ball	Bubbles
	Apple	Banana	Cereal
	Cheese	Milk	Juice
	Boots	Bye	Nose
	Spoon	Moon	Slide
	Baby	Mama	No

 

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References

1. Weitzman, E. (2017). It Takes Two to Talk: A Practical Guide for Parents of Children with Language Delays, 5th ed. Toronto, Ontario: The Hanen Centre.