Little Words

Say & Play K and G sounds (back of the mouth)

Cat and Goat

Initial /k/ and /g/ words selected by an SLP or caregiver

4 meaningful actionsgate4 communication levelsSpeech optional

How this routine works

Cat and Goat want to meet, but the farm gate is locked. The child changes the scene through four connected actions. These are the authored prompts and models, so an adult can preview the language before play.

  1. Play action 1What can open the gate?
    Buddy models: Key. Get the key.
    The key turns in the lock.
  2. Play action 2The lock is open.
    Buddy models: Open the gate.
    The gate swings wide.
  3. Play action 3Who is waiting on this side?
    Buddy models: Cat can go.
    Cat walks through the gate.
  4. Play action 4One friend is still waiting.
    Buddy models: Goat can go.
    Goat trots over to Cat.

Why this interaction fits the communication goal

Primary target: Initial /k/ and /g/ words selected by an SLP or caregiver

Ways to participate: Open, move, and match by tapping or dragging. Speech is optional.

  • The scene carries the meaning. The child acts directly on the objects instead of answering flashcards over a background.
  • Models can stay short or expand. Examples include:
    • sound attempt
    • word approximation
    • target word
    • short phrase
  • Speech is never a gate. Tapping, dragging, gesture, AAC, approximations, and spoken language can all be meaningful participation.
  • The payoff belongs to the action. Each choice changes the scene, and the routine ends with the result of what the child has been doing.

This resource supports education and guided practice. It is not an assessment, diagnosis, treatment plan, or substitute for individualized care from a qualified speech-language pathologist. Little Words Editorial authors and checks the interaction, language, and access behavior. Read our editorial standards.

Does a child have to speak?

No. Speech can be invited and modeled, but it is never required or scored.

How should an adult choose a model?

Use a model that fits the child’s current communication goal. When a child is receiving speech therapy, follow the target words, cues, and practice guidance from the child’s SLP.