Just For Me
Just For Me by Jennifer Hansen Rolli is a beautiful picture book that can be used in many ways to elicit language with young children. The repetitive lines “just for me” are ideal for young children learning language as well as children with language delays and disorders. Each page introduces a new word with a delightful and colorful image that will captivate young children.
Language Tips
For parents, as you are reading the book, emphasize the phrase “just for me” and use a gesture by pointing to yourself. Also use gestures with “you” by pointing to your child. To learn more about using gestures during read alouds, click here. To enhance and encourage literacy skills, point to the target words as you reading them! To learn more about print referencing, click here. This book also helps build vocabulary by learning new words on each page such as “tiara”, “bubbles”, “goodie”, “sunshine” and more! As you are reading the book, encourage your child to say the repetitive line “just for me”. If they can’t verbalize the entire phrase, try “me” or just have them approximate “mmmm”. This will help increase participation and work on turn taking with you as you read!
For AAC Users
For those children learning to use their communication systems (Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems), this book is wonderful to work on the concepts and core vocabulary of “mine” and “me” and “you”. The pages also have plenty of space on each page for therapists and/or parents to add the visuals to help your child follow along. I use visual support software programs such as Boardmaker Online and Smarty Symbols. For my young preschoolers, I can also use this book to help combine symbols into sentences such as “sun for me”. For those working on two symbol combinations, try “bubbles me”. Also, encourage a total communication approach by encouraging gestures during book reading!
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