Parent tip
Start before you overthink it. No-prep activities work best when you begin while the moment is still recoverable.
Choice Board Snack Time
Show two snacks and name them — wait for your toddler to point, say, or gesture before offering.
Activity details
Instructions
- Prepare two healthy snacks
- Hold one in each hand at toddler's eye level
- Name each clearly: 'Apple?' (wiggle) 'Or banana?' (wiggle)
- WAIT — count to 5 silently
- Watch for any communication: point, reach, look, sound, word
- Name their choice: 'Banana! Here's your banana!'
- Next time, offer the other snack first to practise both words
What success looks like
Back-and-forth between you — words, gestures, shared pretend. Connection is the real outcome here.
At snack time, hold up two options: 'Apple? Or banana?' Name each clearly, wiggling the food as you say the word. Then WAIT. Give your toddler time to point, reach, say a word, or sign. When they communicate their choice — any way at all — name it: 'Banana! You want banana!' and hand it over. This creates purposeful communication: their voice or gesture gets them what they want.
Why it helps
Choice-making is functional communication — it gives toddlers a reason to use words. The motivation is built in: they GET the food they ask for. Speech and Language UK recommend using daily routines like mealtimes as communication opportunities. The visual choice (holding up two real objects) supports comprehension alongside expression.
Variations
- Use for drinks: 'Water? Or milk?'
- Offer three choices for older toddlers.
- Show pictures of foods on a 'choice board' for children who benefit from visual support.
Safety tips
- Always offer both snacks regardless of communication attempt — don't withhold food.
- Check for allergies before offering new foods.
- Cut food to appropriate size for toddler's age.
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