How does a verbal prompt differ from a verbal cue?

A verbal prompt is a more direct form of assistance that often involves starting to say what the child is supposed to say, essentially guiding the child towards the correct response. This kind of prompt is designed to support the child in producing a desired verbal output and is often used in educational and therapeutic settings to foster communication skills. By initiating a speech pattern or phrase, the verbal prompt reduces the cognitive load on the child and helps them to articulate the correct response, facilitating learning and communication development.

In contrast to this, a verbal cue typically serves as a reminder or a subtle signal that encourages the child to recall or produce a behavior or response independently. It is usually less direct, empowering the child to use their knowledge without providing the beginning of the response. Understanding this difference is crucial for effective instructional strategies, as it informs how much support to provide to students based on their individual needs.