The “One Up” Language Method with “Santa”

December 2, 2020

Help Increase Your Child’s Expressive Language By Adding One Word To What They Say!

palm trees

Help Increase Your Child’s Expressive Language By Adding One Word To What They Say!

You can use the holiday season to help your child increase their word usage using the "One Up" language method by adding just one word to what they say! Some easy examples can be found below.

Add a Verb or Adjective:

Child: “Santa”

Adult: 

“Happy Santa”

“Silly Santa”

“Laughing Santa”

“Tall Santa”

“Nice Santa”

Add a Synonym:

Child: “Sleepy”

Adult: “Yes, Santa is tired.”

Add an Antonym:

Child: “Nice”

Adult: “Santa IS Nice, he’s not mean.”

Morgan Barton, SLP

Back

Check us out on Pinterest!


June 1, 2026
Coloring is more than just a fun activity, it is a powerful tool therapists use to help children build important developmental skills while keeping therapy engaging and playful. Coloring can support communication, movement, coordination, focus, and creativity all at the same time. Best of all, children often do not even realize how much they are learning because they are having fun! We recently hosted a coloring contest in our clinics, and the kiddos had so much fun showing their creativity! At the end of this post, we've included two coloring page designs that you can download, print, and color at home or on the go!
June 1, 2026
By Emily Benningfield, SLP
child playing pretend
May 1, 2026
By Alyssa Turner, OTR/L
easter sensory feeding actvity
April 1, 2026
Try this fun Easter-themed feeding activity to encourage food exploration and positive mealtime experiences.
mother and child reading during bedtime routine
April 1, 2026
Help your child adjust to time changes with simple sleep strategies that support healthy routines.
silly books leads to serious skills
March 2, 2026
Silly books build language, imagination, and connection. Learn why they’re great for development.
allergens blog
February 1, 2026
Learn how to safely introduce allergens to your baby and support healthy feeding development.
snow day sensory support
January 26, 2026
Keep kids regulated and engaged during snow days with these easy sensory activity ideas.
pediatrics orthotics story
January 1, 2026
Learn how orthotics can support mobility and confidence through a real family’s experience.
ACC help and holidays
December 1, 2025
Help children using AAC participate fully in holiday traditions with these inclusive tips.