How To Teach "Trick or Treat"

It's almost Halloween and lots of children will be going on their first trip around the neighborhood to gather candy for their parents to eat (I know it's true. Admit it.) Inevitably, there will be moms and dads everywhere saying "say trick or treat!" over and over again. This might work for some children, but what do you do if your child is having a hard time learning this new phrase? Many children with language delays (and some typically developing children) HATE being told what to say. Here is how I would teach "trick or treat" to a young child who is just not getting it.

1. Explain the concept in simple terms. For example, "On Halloween we will visit our neighbors. When we get to their house we will knock on the door and say 'trick or treat!' Then they will give us candy." 

2. Demonstrate using stuffed animals or dolls. Have the animals knock on the door (real door, play house door, doll house door.. mix it up!) and say "trick or treat!" Take turns being the animal and the one opening the door. In this step avoid explicit instructions. It can be frustrating when a child seems to not be "getting it", but children learn better when they are having fun and don't feel pressure to get it right. You may have to do it over and over until your child begins to copy you.

In this step it might help to use a pause to encourage the child to participate. First, knock on the door and say something like, "First we knock, and then we say trick or treat!" Do this many times the exact same way, saying the exact same thing. Then add in a pause... "First we knock, then we say...long pause....trick or treat!" The idea is that eventually the child will fill in the phrase. As long as they are still engaged, try taking such long pauses that you begin to feel uncomfortable! Many children need that time to think and plan what they are going to say.

3. Do a practice run. Go to your real door and have everyone take turns in different roles. Use real candy and maybe even dress up in costume! Make it fun!

I hope this has given some concrete ways to work on a new phrase this Halloween. This is really how I would teach any new word or phrase. Teach, model, repeat, and keep it fun! Have a great Halloween and may there be plenty of chocolate in the plastic pumpkin for mom. You deserve it.