One of the most effective strategies for developing language and communication skills is "repetition with variety." This implementation strategy encourages consistent learning while maximizing engagement, which is crucial for building communication competence.
Repetition with variety refers to presenting the same concept or skill repeatedly in different contexts, formats, or with slight variations (Quinn et al., 2023). For those with complex communication needs, this involves repeatedly using the same core words or phrases, but in a range of different activities or environments.
Language learning relies heavily on repeated exposure (Brent & Siskind, 2001). Individuals with complex communication needs need to see, hear, and use words many times before they become part of their functional vocabulary.
However, simply drilling the same vocabulary over and over can quickly become monotonous and disengaging.
Repetition with variety ensures that individuals with complex communication needs are repeatedly exposed to language in engaging and meaningful ways. It also allows them to practice in different settings, supporting generalization and the ability to use language across contexts.
Repetition with variety balances the need for repeated exposure to vocabulary, which is critical for language learning, with the need to maintain interest and engagement by avoiding monotonous repetition. It allows individuals with complex communication needs to practice the same words and phrases across various contexts, supporting skill generalization.
Repetition with variety is a versatile implementation strategy and should be tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Here are a few examples of how repetition with variety may be used:
Change the Context:
Use the same vocabulary in different settings or during different activities. For example:
During snack time, use words like "want," "eat," and "drink."
During play, use the same words when discussing toys: "Want car," "Eat pizza" (pretend play).
At the end of the day, use these words again while discussing the activities: "What did you eat?" or "What do you want to play tomorrow?"
The repetition comes from using the same words, but the variety comes from using them in different contexts.
Vary the Communication Partners
Repetition with variety can involve using the same vocabulary but interacting with different people. For instance:
Practice greetings like "hello" or "goodbye" with a family member.
Use the same greetings with a teacher or classmate.
Then, try greeting a pet or favorite doll or stuffed animal during play.
Interacting with different people allows those with complex communication needs to practice communication in new ways, encouraging social engagement and expanding communication partner circles.
Incorporate Multimodal Communication
Utilize various communication methods to reinforce vocabulary. Speech, AAC devices, and nonelectronic AAC tools should be integrated and used together. For example:
Introduce a core word like “go” during a physical activity like running or walking.
Use it during a board game where pieces need to “go” forward.
Use and model the same vocabulary using the AAC device during a video or storybook about cars going on an adventure.
Each time, the concept of “go” is practiced, but in a different context.
Target All Communication Functions
Communication functions refer to the different purposes or reasons a person communicates. Incorporating these functions into the repetition with variety strategy strengthens communication skills by offering opportunities to use language in meaningful, real-life situations.
The four communication functions include expressing wants and needs, transferring information, establishing and maintaining social closeness (i.e., interpersonal relationships), and displaying appropriate social etiquette (e.g., greetings, closers, maintaining conversations, etc.) (Beukelman & Light, 2020).
Vary the Sensory Input
Repetition with variety can involve using different sensory modalities. For example:
Model vocabulary on an AAC device during shared reading time, emphasizing words like "look" or "see."
Use the same vocabulary during a visual sensory activity like looking through a kaleidoscope.
Then, practice the same words while exploring objects during a sensory bin activity.
By incorporating different sensory experiences, individuals with complex communication needs can connect vocabulary to multiple experiences, making it more likely to be retained and generalized.
Generalization, the ability to use language across different contexts, is the goal of AAC implementation. Repetition with variety helps with complex communication needs achieve generalization by providing exposure to language in multiple contexts, environments, and interactions.
Consequently, those with complex communication needs will develop and apply their skills outside of structured learning environments and in everyday, spontaneous communication opportunities.
Implementing repetition with variety may seem overwhelming, but it is simple and requires minimal energy. Here are a few implementation tips:
Plan for variety but stay spontaneous: Think ahead about how you can incorporate vocabulary into a range of activities, environments, and sensory experiences yet remain spontaneous to capitalize on naturally occurring learning and communication opportunities.
Keep it engaging: Integrate AAC and language into fun and meaningful contexts, like play, mealtime, literacy activities, and beyond.
Model consistently: Model relevant language and communication functions to facilitate skill growth.
Check out this resource from Forbes AAC on Modeling!
Let’s Grow Language is an implementation resource designed to develop language in emergent communicators. It provides eight learning plans aimed at promoting linguistic and social competence. Each plan focuses on one core word and includes a main activity repeated throughout the week, supplemented by extension activities. Let’s Grow Language employs repetition with variety, emphasizing both consistency and flexibility to support language growth.
Check it out here!
Repetition with variety is a powerful and dynamic AAC implementation strategy that fosters language while optimizing engagement. It allows consistent exposure to language while providing consistent and rich learning experiences. Repetition with variety is crucial in helping individuals with complex communication needs achieve generalization, so they can functionally communicate and actively engage in society.
References
Brent, M. R., & Siskind, J. M. (2001). The role of exposure to isolated words in early vocabulary development. Cognition, 81(2), 833–844. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0010-0277(01)00122-6
Quinn, E. D., Kurin, K., Atkins, K. L., & Cook, A. (2023). Identifying Implementation Strategies to Increase Augmentative and Alternative Communication Adoption in Early Childhood Classrooms: A Qualitative Study. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 54(4), 1136–1154. https://doi.org/10.1044/2023_lshss-22-00186
Hannah Foley, B.A. serves as the Support and Implementation Specialist at Forbes AAC, leveraging more than five years of experience in AAC support and implementation. Committed to delivering quality implementation resources and support, Hannah focuses on empowering AAC teams who are implementing CoughDrop. She is dedicated to ensuring successful integration of AAC into various life activities, maximizing communicative skill development, and fostering meaningful engagement for individuals utilizing AAC.