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Preparing Your Learner for Buttons

Preparing Your Learner for Buttons

To prepare your learner to talk with buttons, talk to them:

  • Frequently
  • Intentionally
  • Using language that is slow, clear, simple, and positive.

  1. Model words and concepts by speaking them out loud and demonstrating what they mean. 
  2. Repeat important words at least 5 times. 
  3. Use familiar words and be consistent in the words you choose for concepts. 

Signs that your learner understands you include:

  • Looking at you
  • Acknowledging you
  • Swiveling their ears
  • Looking at the correct object
  • Making a communicative noise
  • Or, they do a combination of all of the above!

Start speaking to them as much as possible, using these techniques to help refine the process. 

Below, we’ve included a Common Button Concepts list to help you identify concepts your learner might already know. This is meant to give you a general idea of what concepts people use regularly and is NOT the recommended beginner buttons or order of introduction. 

 

Common Button Concepts

All Done Now & Later Settle
Ball Ouch Toy Names
Friend & Stranger Outside Treat
Help Park Tug
Hi & Bye Play Walk
Look Potty Want
Love You Puzzle Water
Name(s) (learner, family, friends) Scritches/Scratches Yes & No

 

Your learner’s most familiar words are often great first button words. Use them often but appropriately!

 

If you have questions or feedback regarding this content, please email us at learning@fluent.pet

 

Reading next

How to Choose Starting Buttons
Motivating Your Learner To Use Buttons

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