Little Words

Say & Play Early concept · body parts

Head to Toes

Body-part words, imitation, and one-step action directions

4 meaningful actionsbody4 communication levelsSpeech optional

How this routine works

Buddy is making a funny pose. Help copy one movement at a time. 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 1Touch your nose.
    Buddy models: Nose. I am touching my nose.
    Buddy taps a twitchy nose.
  2. Play action 2Now tap your knee.
    Buddy models: Knee. Tap your knee.
    Buddy bends to tap one knee.
  3. Play action 3Can you point to a toe?
    Buddy models: Toe. Wiggle your toes.
    Buddy’s toes wiggle.
  4. Play action 4Hands up to your hair.
    Buddy models: Hair. Pat your hair.
    Buddy’s ears pop through a silly hairdo.

Why this interaction fits the communication goal

Primary target: Body-part words, imitation, and one-step action directions

Ways to participate: Tap Buddy, move your own body, point, use AAC, or speak.

  • 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:
    • nose
    • touch nose
    • touch your nose
    • I am touching my nose
  • 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.