For the practice partner

Your part

You are keeping someone company while they practice. You are not a teacher, and this is not a lesson.

Aphasia affects language, not intelligence. The person beside you knows what they want to say.

The person chooses the activity, the step, how many items, and when to stop.

Sit beside

Sit beside the person, not across the table. Sit on the side they see and hear more easily.

Choose a quiet time. Turn off the television and the radio.

Let the person hold the book or the device if they want to.

Wait

After each item, wait. Wait longer than feels natural before you say anything.

Silence is part of practice. There is no need to fill it.

If the person starts a word, let them finish it. Do not finish it for them unless they ask.

Offer a cue

A cue is one small step toward the word.

Offer a cue only when the person asks for one, or after a long wait. Ask first: "Would you like a cue?"

Give one cue at a time, in the order shown. Then wait again.

The last cue always gives the word or the phrase itself. Say it, and go to the next item. Nobody is left stuck.

Take what comes

If the person gives another word that works as well, such as couch for sofa, take it.

If a different word comes, there is nothing to mark and nothing to point out. Offer a cue, or go to the next item.

Skipping an item is fine. So is doing the same set again another day.

Stop

A few items is a whole practice. There is no need to finish a set or a page.

Stop at the first sign of tiredness or upset. Say so plainly: "Let's stop there."

The cues for each activity

The cues are listed in the order the tool offers them.

Everyday phrases

1. The first word
2. The phrase in full
3. Say it together

Find the word

1. A sentence to finish
2. The first letter
3. The word with a letter missing
4. The word

Finish the sentence

1. What the word means
2. The first letter
3. Two words to choose between
4. The word

Follow directions

1. The direction again
2. One part at a time
3. The words to choose are outlined

Match

1. One choice is taken away
2. What the word means
3. The pair

Read

1. Read aloud slowly
2. One phrase at a time
3. Read it together