Little Words

Say & Play F and V sounds (lip and teeth)

Fish, Fan and Van

Initial /f/ and /v/ words selected by an SLP or caregiver

4 meaningful actionsrescue4 communication levelsSpeech optional

How this routine works

The beach van is hot, and a little fish needs help getting back to the water. 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 1The van is hot.
    Buddy models: Fan the van.
    The fan cools the van.
  2. Play action 2The van needs one gentle push.
    Buddy models: Push with your foot.
    The van rolls away from the puddle.
  3. Play action 3Who needs the clear path?
    Buddy models: Fish. Help the fish.
    The fish flops toward the water.
  4. Play action 4Park the helper safely.
    Buddy models: Van over here.
    The van parks and the fish reaches the sea.

Why this interaction fits the communication goal

Primary target: Initial /f/ and /v/ words selected by an SLP or caregiver

Ways to participate: Help with each action by tapping. 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.