Building Speech with Generalization
Your child is putting in the work, but you wonder, “How do these lessons carry over into daily life?”
We call this “generalization” or “carryover.”
Generalization is the ability to apply something learned to other situations. If you learned to tie your shoe, can you tie a bow with a ribbon? The goal is to see progress outside of the therapy setting, such as, at home, at school, or the park – and with other people, such as grandparents, the babysitter, or a teacher.
Generalization in Discrete Video Modeling
The Gemiini lessons typically begin with a Title Card (the object is isolated and the actor speaking), then a Mouth View (close-up speaking), followed by an Action Scene. In this third view, we see the object in life or grouped with the word concept. This is generalization.
For example, after learning “elephant,” the generalization shows real elephants alongside a stuffed toy elephant.
Generalization in Everyday Speech
You can help your child build speech by extending the video lessons into everyday life.
METHOD: Point out items or sounds learned in therapy sessions and use them in everyday conversation.
- For example, if your son has been learning the word “bus” in therapy, and you see a bus approaching down the street, point and say, “Bus!” repeatedly. The same goes for spotting an apple in a grocery store or a cat while out on a walk.
Isolate the Word – Discrete Video Modeling isolates the object from the distracting background. In the same way, don’t bury the word in a sentence. Rather than saying, “Look, Johnny, a bus is coming down the road and is probably carrying lots of people,” repeat the word “bus.” Repetition makes it easier to connect the bus on the road to the sound of the world and remember it next time.
Engaging the Active Network – Generalizing helps the student actively engage with the world. It connects the clinical setting to everyday life. Importantly, generalization encourages students to keep their active network engaged and stay involved in our world rather than slipping into dreamy or disengaged spaces.
Bonding with Generalization – You can practice generalization by looking through family photos, browsing through a toy catalog, or narrating a favorite book. Generalization helps children apply conversational speech, learn the appropriate use of new words, and make therapy sessions more relevant. Used correctly and in conjunction with other therapy tools, generalization with Gemiini can help a child succeed in language and social development.
Please schedule a free call with a Gemiini Coach if you have any questions or need help integrating generalization into your routine!