Picture this: Your son or daughter sees Star Wars: The Force Awakens and you say: "What was it about?" They say: "It was um about...there was this...it was just really awesome!" That's when you pull out your handy Star Wars visual. It has the power to awaken some exciting Star Wars conversations.
It is easier for people to discuss new material or recall details from past events with a visual. Kids with autism especially benefit from visual support when communicating. Here are some ideas to awaken language in your child:
Play the "You Know Nothing about Star Wars" game:
Kids love to correct you when you are wrong! Plus, it evokes language and motivation to continue the conversation. Here are some examples of what you can say when looking at the visual:
Ask questions specific to the visual:
It is easier for people to discuss new material or recall details from past events with a visual. Kids with autism especially benefit from visual support when communicating. Here are some ideas to awaken language in your child:
Play the "You Know Nothing about Star Wars" game:
Kids love to correct you when you are wrong! Plus, it evokes language and motivation to continue the conversation. Here are some examples of what you can say when looking at the visual:
- Darth Vader returns!
- Princess Leia gets to ride a scooter in this one.
- Boba Fry is back in this movie.
- I really like those Tie Fighters.
- There are lots of Stormtrompers.
- R2D2 looks so small and cute.
- The Death Star is half it's size now!
Ask questions specific to the visual:
- What is happening here?
- Where are they going?
- What happens next?
- How is he/she/it feeling here?
- What was scariest scene?
- What was the most exciting scene?
- Who is your favorite character in this picture?
Extend the conversation further:
Discuss intriguing Star Wars facts not many people know:
J.J. Abrams explained the background of the names in the movie in Entertainment Weekly.
Visit the Star Wars: The Force Awakens IMDB trivia page:
It's a great way to continue the conversation.
Encourage your child to share some of the cool Star Wars trivia they learned with friends:
It's helpful to brainstorm a phrase or question to say before sharing trivia with peers to act as a "spoiler alert". For example, they could say, "Do you want to hear some Star Wars trivia?" Discuss why "spoiling" a movie makes people feel frustrated. This is a lesson in perspective taking and thinking about the other person when they are talking.
Enjoy your Star Wars: The Force Awakens conversations and May the Force be with you!
Discuss intriguing Star Wars facts not many people know:
J.J. Abrams explained the background of the names in the movie in Entertainment Weekly.
Visit the Star Wars: The Force Awakens IMDB trivia page:
It's a great way to continue the conversation.
Encourage your child to share some of the cool Star Wars trivia they learned with friends:
It's helpful to brainstorm a phrase or question to say before sharing trivia with peers to act as a "spoiler alert". For example, they could say, "Do you want to hear some Star Wars trivia?" Discuss why "spoiling" a movie makes people feel frustrated. This is a lesson in perspective taking and thinking about the other person when they are talking.
Enjoy your Star Wars: The Force Awakens conversations and May the Force be with you!
