Object functions are an important part of vocabulary development. When children learn a new word, they need to understand what it does and how it’s used. This is important because it helps children build deeper word knowledge and make connections between words and their meanings. So, how do you teach object functions in speech therapy? Let’s dive in! Here’s a step-by-step guide to teaching object functions.
What Are Object Functions?
Object functions refer to what an object is used for or what it does. For example:
- A spoon is used for eating
- Scissors are used for cutting
- We use a chair to sit
- We use a backpack to carry things
Why Are Object Functions Important?
Understanding object functions helps children develop deeper knowledge of vocabulary words and make stronger connections between words and their meanings. When children learn what we use objects for, they are learning meaningful information about those words.
In particular, this type of word knowledge supports children’s ability to:
- Understand vocabulary when they hear it (receptive language)
- Use vocabulary when speaking (expressive language)
- Describe objects and explain how we use them
- Make connections between words and ideas
Understanding object functions can also support other vocabulary skills such as:
- Categorizing objects
- Describing attributes
- Comparing items
Learning multiple types of information about words (such as what an object does, what category it belongs to, or what it looks like) is also consistent with evidence-based vocabulary instruction, which encourages helping children build richer and more detailed word knowledge.
Because of this, practicing object functions can be an important step when helping children build stronger vocabulary skills in speech therapy.
When Are Object Functions Typically Learned?
Children begin learning about object functions early in development as they interact with everyday objects during play and daily routines. For example, young children learn that a spoon is used for eating, a brush is used for brushing hair, or a ball is used for throwing or rolling through repeated experiences and exposure.
Many children start to demonstrate understanding of object functions during the toddler and preschool years as their vocabulary and understanding of the world around them grows.
However, some children may need additional support learning object functions, especially if they have language delays or difficulties with vocabulary development. In these cases, direct teaching and practice with object functions can help children build stronger word knowledge and improve their understanding of everyday objects.
How To Teach Object Functions in Speech Therapy
Step 1: Introduce What Object Functions Are
Start by introducing objects and clearly explaining what we use them for.
You might say:
- “A cup is used for drinking.”
- “A pencil is used for writing.”
- “A book is used for reading.”
Using visuals and real objects can help children clearly see how objects are used. Specifically, I like using the play kitchen and toy food sets for introducing object functions! In addition, make sure to use common objects the child has likely been exposed to and provide lots of models and examples to help the child understand the connection between an object and its purpose.
Step 2: Practice Object Functions in Different Ways
Once children understand what object functions are, they can practice the skill in different ways. Activities can gradually move from recognizing object functions to using them more independently.
1. Identify Objects and Functions
Start with simple recognition tasks where children identify objects or functions. I usually offer choices here for extra support.
For example:
- Identifying the function of an object: “What do we use a spoon for: eating or throwing?”
- Identifying an object from the function: “Which one do we use for cutting: a ball or scissors?”
These activities help children make the connection between objects and their uses.
2. Match and Sort Objects by Function
Once children understand object functions, they can begin comparing objects and grouping them based on how we use them.
For example:
- Matching an object to its function (e.g. cup → drinking)
- Matching two objects that have the same function (e.g. comb and brush)
- Sorting objects based on their function (e.g. objects used for cleaning vs. objects used for writing)
These activities help children notice relationships between multiple objects that have similar uses.
3. Think of Multiple Functions or Objects
As children build stronger vocabulary knowledge, they can begin thinking more flexibly about object functions.
For example:
- Identifying multiple functions for one object: “What can we use a pencil for? → writing, drawing”
- Identifying multiple objects for one function: “What can we use for cleaning? → broom, sponge”
Thinking about multiple uses for objects or multiple objects for the same purpose helps children build stronger connections between words and ideas, which supports deeper vocabulary development.
4. Name Objects and Functions Independently
Next, children can practice expressively naming objects and their functions without visual choices.
For example:
- Naming functions: “What do we use gloves for?”
- Naming objects: “What do we use to brush our teeth?”
This helps strengthen expressive vocabulary and word retrieval.
5. Apply Object Function Knowledge
Finally, children can apply their knowledge of object functions in more open-ended activities and natural contexts.
For example:
- Guessing games
- Describing objects based on their function
- Thinking of objects used in specific situations
Activities to Teach and Practice Object Functions
Here are some of my favorite ways to teach and practice object functions in speech therapy sessions:
Toys
Toys provide hands-on opportunities to demonstrate how we use objects.
For instance, you can use any pretend play toy kit to practice object functions:
- Play kitchen and play food sets
- Dress-up clothes or costumes
- Dolls and dollhouses
- Toy doctor kit
- Toy tool sets
I mentioned earlier that the play kitchen is great for teaching and practicing object functions naturally. For example, here’s how you can use it:
- Identifying a function: “What do we use a fork for? → eating”
- Identifying an object: “What do we use to cut food? → knife”
- Sorting: “Let’s put all the things we use for eating in this bin, and all the things we use for cooking in that one.”
- Identifying multiple functions: “What can we do with a spoon? → stir, eat, scoop”
- Identifying multiple objects: “What can we use to hold our food? → a bowl, a plate”
Books
Books are an excellent way to practice object functions in a natural context. For instance, you can talk about how objects are used in the pictures throughout the story. For example:
- “What is she using to climb?”
- “What is he using the umbrella for?”
Structured Activities
Structured activities like worksheets can help children practice identifying and naming object functions in a focused way. They’re great to use as mini-lessons to pre-teach a skill before practicing it in natural contexts like books and toy play.
If you’re looking for no-prep materials for teaching object functions, I created an Object Functions Activity Packet that includes visuals for introducing the skill and structured activity pages that target different ways of practicing object functions.
Adapting Activities for Older Students and Virtual Sessions
Older students
When working with older students, you might want to use worksheets or classroom assignments as a material source. This allows students to practice identifying and explaining object functions using materials that are more appropriate for their age and academic environment. Using real classroom materials can also help students apply their vocabulary knowledge in a functional way that connects to their everyday school activities.
Teletherapy
You can teach object functions virtually with a variety of activities like games, online books, picture scenes, and digital worksheets. For example, see the image below for an activity to target object functions, which is included in the Activity Packet. Students can also find objects around their home and describe what they use them for.
Carryover and Home Practice for Object Functions
Practicing object functions outside of speech therapy helps children strengthen their vocabulary knowledge and apply what they’ve learned in everyday situations.
Caregivers and teachers can support this skill during daily routines by asking simple questions such as:
- “What do we use this for?”
- “What can we use to do this?”
- “What else could we use?”
These conversations can happen naturally during activities like:
- cooking
- cleaning
- getting dressed
- making crafts
- playing with toys
Talking about how we use objects during everyday routines helps children build stronger connections between words and their meanings.
You can also use information handouts to provide ideas for caregivers and teachers to support practice outside the therapy room.
What’s Next After Object Functions?
Once children understand object functions, they can continue developing their vocabulary skills by learning other types of word relationships.
Some related vocabulary skills include:
- Word Associations (words that go together)
- Categories (grouping words by shared features)
- Describing attributes (what something looks like, feels like, or does)
- Similarities and differences
These skills help children build deeper vocabulary knowledge and stronger connections between words and ideas.
A Step-by-Step Resource for Teaching Object Functions
We’ve discussed how to teach object functions in speech therapy step by step. Whether you’re a speech therapist, parent, or educator, teaching this skill can be simple and effective! If you’re looking for a structured way to teach and practice object functions, my Object Functions Activity Packet provides step-by-step materials designed to support this skill.
The packet includes visuals to help introduce object functions as well as structured activity pages that target different ways of practicing the skill, such as identifying, matching, sorting, naming, and fun guessing games to apply knowledge of object functions in an interactive and engaging way!
These activities are perfect as mini-lessons to introduce the skill or to use during therapy sessions for structured practice and alongside play-based activities to support vocabulary development.
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