Little Words

Say & Play Daily routine · bedtime

Night Night, Buddy

Bedtime routine language, sequencing, and gentle social phrases

4 meaningful actionsroutine4 communication levelsSpeech optional

How this routine works

Buddy is sleepy. Help the room get ready for night. 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 1Buddy is yawning.
    Buddy models: Time for bed.
    Buddy climbs into bed.
  2. Play action 2Buddy needs something soft.
    Buddy models: Pillow under your head.
    The pillow fluffs up.
  3. Play action 3The room is getting dark.
    Buddy models: I see a star.
    A star begins to glow outside.
  4. Play action 4One light is left in the sky.
    Buddy models: Good night, moon. Night night, Buddy.
    The moon rises and the lamp dims.

Why this interaction fits the communication goal

Primary target: Bedtime routine language, sequencing, and gentle social phrases

Ways to participate: Tap the next bedtime item, gesture, 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:
    • bed
    • night night
    • Buddy in bed
    • night night, Buddy
  • 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.