Tap AAC

Core word “want”: this one or that one?

Want tells people what a person would like: want that, want juice, I want to go. It turns reaching and pointing at things into a clear message, and it works with almost every other word on the board. This week, point to want whenever you offer a choice, and whenever you say what you want yourself.

Download the free printable (PDF) US Letter, 1 page, 413 KB

Printing on A4 paper? Download the A4 PDF (1 page, 412 KB).

Core word of the week 6 printable for “want”: a big picture card, phrases like I want and want that, six ideas (snack, play, dressing, bath, car, books), a mini board with want, I, you, that, more, go, and a note for home with a box for each day.
The printable: the word, ideas for the week, a mini board to cut out and a note for home.

Have Tap AAC? Add to Tap AAC (.obz file, 190 KB) · How to add a board

  • Week 6 of 32
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Picture card for the core word want: a smiling child holding a toy car close

Why want opens up so many requests

Want is the start of many requests. With want and one more word, like want more, want that or want help, the person can ask for almost anything they can see or name.

It comes after more, go and help in this plan because it joins with them. Hearing adults say what they want, “I want a coffee”, also shows that wanting things is fine to say out loud.

Want this or that? Choices from snacks and shirts to people

At snack

  • Hold up two choices: “Want this or that?” Point to want, then hold up each one.
  • Say your own: “I want an apple.”

In play

  • Keep a few favorite toys in sight but out of reach, in a clear box or on a high shelf: “Want the ball?”
  • Stop a game partway: “Want more? Want go?”
  • Let the person choose for you: “What do I want?”

Getting dressed

  • Hold up two shirts: “Want this one? Want the blue one?”

In the bath

  • “Want bubbles? Want the duck?”

In the car

  • Before you set off: “Want music?” Say your own too: “I want quiet now.”

Books and screens

  • “Want this book or that book?”
  • Choosing a show: “Want that one?”

With people

  • “Want Mom? Want Grandpa?” Show photos of the people next to the board.
  • When the person pushes something away, say it for them: “Not want. You don’t want that.”
What it can look like

Getting ready for the bath. Grandpa holds up two toys, a duck and a boat. “Want duck? Or want boat?” He points to want on the bath board, then holds up each toy in turn. Rosa reaches for the boat, then taps the board. “Want boat! Here’s the boat.” Then Grandpa picks up the duck: “I want the duck,” pointing to want again, and they race them across the water.

I want, want that, want help

Start with I want for your own wishes, then add the thing you are offering.

If they want something they can’t have, or point without want

If they say want and point at something you can’t give

Say back what they asked for, so they know the word worked: “You want cookies. Cookies after dinner.” Being understood matters, even when the answer is no.

If they point at things without using want

That’s fine: pointing is communication. Keep modeling want with the thing: “Want cup. Here’s the cup.”

Note for home: favorite things in sight, out of reach

This week we are learning want. Point to want when you offer a choice, “Want juice or milk?”, and when you say what you want: “I want coffee.” Keep a few favorite things in sight but out of reach. If your child points to want, say back what you think they want, and check.

The same note is printed at the bottom of the week’s page, with a box to tick for each day. For families who are new to modeling, send the one-page AAC modeling at home handout with it, and keep using the word cards from earlier weeks.

More core word of the week plans

All core word printables and guides

Need a different board? Make your own with the free AAC board maker.

These cards, handouts and plans are general information, not therapy or medical advice, and they don’t replace a speech therapist. A speech therapist who knows the person can help choose the right words and the right way to practice. Everything here is free to print and share; please don’t sell it (terms of use). Questions? Email support@lmnoplabs.fun.