What Do They Really Mean? Hints and Indirect Requests
Seven hints and indirect requests. The student works out what the speaker actually wants.
Mom says it is getting cold in here and looks at the open window. What might she want?
Session summary (SOAP)
Stays on this screen. Nothing is saved or sent.
Mark a card Correct, Correct with cue or Incorrect and the summary writes itself here.
How to run it
Read each item aloud and ask first for the literal meaning, then for what the speaker wants. Talk about the clue that points to the request: a look at the window, the books, the time of night. The wow it is so quiet item uses sarcasm, so it is a good bridge to that skill. Finish with the last item: asking directly is always allowed.
Cueing ladder
Start at the top. Add support one step at a time.
- IndependentSet up the situation and wait for the student to respond on their own.Log as correct
- Nonverbal cueUse a look, a gesture or a point to the visual cue card.Log as cued
- Indirect promptAsk 'What could you say now?' or 'What might they be thinking?'Log as cued
- ModelShow what to say or do, then run the moment again so the student can try it.Log as cued
Adjust it
Read each item with clear tone of voice and point to the clue in the situation.
Read in a flat voice so only the situation helps, then ask the student to make up an example.
Matching IEP goal
Given a statement and its situation, Student will explain what the speaker means, including when it differs from the literal words, in 8 of 10 opportunities across 3 consecutive sessions, given no more than an indirect prompt.
Send it home through the parent portal →About this activity
Seven hints and indirect requests: it is getting cold in here, said beside an open window; I wonder who left these books on the floor; do you know what time it is? at bedtime. The student works out what the speaker actually wants. People often ask for things without asking directly, and students who answer the literal question can miss what was meant.
What to listen for
Notice whether the student answers the literal question, as in yes it is eight o'clock. That is the most common pattern and worth naming kindly. Listen for whether the student uses context clues or guesses. Notice whether the student is comfortable asking for clarification, which is the most reliable strategy of all.
Carrying it home
At home, notice your own hints and make them visible: I said it is cold in here because I wanted the window closed. Invite the child to ask if they are not sure what you meant. It helps for adults to say what they mean directly too, especially for children who find hints confusing.
What's in this activity
- Mom says it is getting cold in here and looks at the open window. What might she want?
- For you to close the window
- A sweater from the store
- To go outside
- Your teacher says I wonder who left these books on the floor. What might she want?
- To know their names for fun
- For someone to pick the books up
- More books on the floor
- Your friend says I forgot my lunch today and looks at your chips. What might he be hinting?
- He would like to share your chips
- He does not like chips
- He already ate
- Dad says do you know what time it is? at bedtime. What does he really mean?
- He wants to know the time
- It is time to get ready for bed
- He lost his watch
- Your sister says wow it is so quiet in here while you are playing loud music. What might she mean?
- She likes the music
- She would like the music quieter
- She cannot hear anything
- The coach says can someone help me carry these cones? What does she want?
- Someone to help carry the cones
- To know if anyone is able to help
- Nobody to help
- What can you do when you are not sure what someone is hinting at?
- Ignore it
- Guess and hope
- Ask do you want me to do something?
Questions
- Who is this for?
- Students in grades 3 through 7 working on understanding indirect requests, inferencing and speaker intent, including students who interpret language literally.
- Can I change the items?
- Yes. Open it in the Activity Studio, edit or add items and keep the same board, or switch it to another template that fits the content.
- Is it free?
- Yes. It plays free in the browser with no login. An account adds session data, goal scoring and assignment to a student.
Use this board with your caseload
With a free account, every correct, cued and incorrect mark is saved to the student and scored against their IEP goal, with the data written up for you. Assign it as home practice through the parent portal.
Track progress freeFree for SLPs. No card, no trial clock.