Foster communication through engaging in a grocery shopping activity, emphasizing decision-making, expressing needs, and social interaction using AAC devices. This activity transforms each step into an opportunity for meaningful AAC use, encouraging contextual language use and reinforcing AAC’s real-world application. It’s a fun, family-oriented way to build independence and confidence in AAC interactions.

Before Entering the Store🔗

• Communication Opportunity: Plan what you’re going to buy!
• Communication Temptation: Use the AAC device to discuss and choose items needed from the grocery list.
  • “Let’s pick our fruits. Which ones should we get?”

Selecting Items🔗

• Communication Opportunity: Choose specific items and quantities when you’re shopping.
• Communication Temptation: If an item is out of reach or hard to find, prompt the child to use their AAC device to ask for help.
  • Model phrases like “Can you help us find…?” or “I need help with…”

At the Checkout🔗

• Communication Opportunity: Interact with the cashier and complete the purchase.
• Communication Temptation: Encourage the child to greet the cashier, say “please” and “thank you,” and use AAC to respond to the cashier’s questions like, “Did you find everything okay?”

Packing and Leaving🔗

• Communication Opportunity: Decide on bagging preferences and say goodbye!
• Communication Temptation: Use AAC to make choices about bagging and to practice polite farewells.
  • “We prefer plastic/bags, please” and “Thank you, goodbye!”

Receiving the Order🔗

• Communication Opportunity: Check the order and express gratitude.
• Communication Temptation: Encourage the child to check the bag once handed over and use the AAC device to say “thank you” or ask for missing items.
  • Prompt with, “Let’s see if our order is correct. What do we say?”

Every Opportunity is a Good One🔗

Turn a routine grocery trip into a communication‑building adventure. This printable guide shares simple ways to use AAC for choices, requests, and social interaction while shopping together.

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Related Links🔗

• Activity: All About My Friend
• Summer AAC Activities
• Activity: Sharing a Meal With Your Child
• AAC Everywhere: Using Devices Outside of the Home
• Setting Up Your Space for AAC Success