Using the Magic of Elf on the Shelf to Build AAC Skills This Holiday Season
The holiday season brings excitement, routines, and traditions that children look forward to—and for many families, Elf on the Shelf is at the top of that list! We know the Elf lands in many houses the day after Thanksgiving, but in our family, the Elf enters December 1st! Today! If your child uses AAC, this fun tradition can become a powerful way to practice communication skills in a meaningful, motivating way.
Below are simple, playful ideas to use your elf’s daily adventures to spark language, expand vocabulary, and build confidence with AAC.
🎄 1. Start With Core Words
Your child doesn’t need holiday-specific vocabulary to talk about the elf. Core words are perfect for exploring what the elf does, wants, and feels.
Try modeling words like:
These can fit into lots of elf-themed sentences:
“LOOK! Elf GO up.”
“WHERE elf?”
“Elf SILLY.”
“I LIKE this.”
🎅 2. Build Predictable Routines
Your elf arrives every morning—that’s a daily opportunity for a communication routine!
Try:
Morning Message: “WHERE elf?” → “LOOK!”
Guessing Game: “WHAT elf DO?”
Family Check-In: Have siblings or parents model AAC, too.
Consistency helps your child learn new vocabulary and sentence patterns.
🧝♂️ 3. Use the Elf’s Mischief to Spark Conversation
When the elf does something funny—or messy!—it’s a natural chance to model meaningful language.
Examples:
“Elf MAKE mess.”
“Elf WANT cookies.”
“Elf PLAY.”
“That is FUNNY.”
Take pictures of the elf’s antics and let your child comment using AAC. They may love telling others about what the elf did today!
🗣️ 4. Practice Social Communication
Your elf can be a playful way to rehearse interactions and perspective-taking.
Try modeling:
HELLO
BYE
TELL ME
I FEEL
YOU SEE?
You can even create simple social stories:
“Elf COME. Elf WATCH. Elf HELP me remember to be KIND.”
📸 5. Make an Elf Photo Journal
Take a picture of the elf each day and make a digital or printed book. Add simple AAC-friendly language under each photo.
Examples:
Day 1: “Elf GO in tree.”
Day 2: “Elf LOOK at lights.”
Day 3: “Elf PLAY with toys.”
Day 4: "Elf Eat"
🧁 6. Give Your Elf a Job
Assign your elf a communication task. Kids love this!
Ideas:
The elf “brings” a new core word card.
The elf leaves a “Mission of the Day” (“TELL someone THANK YOU.”). Hint: use your child's AAC device symbols to make it extra special. Need help here, just email us!
The elf hides next to something you want your child to name or request.
This makes communication feel magical and purposeful!
🎁 7. Add Holiday Fringe Words (Optional)
If your child enjoys seasonal vocabulary, add a few fringe words like:
ELF
SANTA
SNOW
TREE
PRESENT
LIGHTS
COOKIE
But remember: core words always give the most flexibility.
❤️ Making Holiday Communication Joyful
The magic of Elf on the Shelf is more than silly poses—it’s connection, routine, and shared joy. When we pair it with AAC, we give our children even more ways to participate, laugh, and express what makes the season special.
Your child’s voice matters every day—especially during the holidays.
If you need help with any of these resources that we suggested, just let us know!
