The FIRST Word I Teach as a Speech Pathologist (And Why It Matters)

Discover why “Go” is such a powerful early communication word and how you can teach it naturally through simple games and everyday routines.

Does your toddler struggle to communicate what they want to happen next?

While words like “car” and “ball” are useful, “Go” can be used across many different situations. Children can use it to start an activity, continue a game, or tell someone they are ready to move.

A child can communicate “Go” with a word, a sound, a gesture, or even by showing you that they want something to happen. What matters is that they have a meaningful way to communicate.

When children learn that their communication can help make something happen, they begin to understand that their communication has a purpose.

What research tells us?

Research on early communication shows that children benefit from having simple, functional words that can be used across everyday situations. “Go” is an important core word because it can be used to start and continue many different activities.

When children have words they can use in many situations, they have more opportunities to practise communication throughout the day.

Communication does not have to start with perfect words. It can begin with a sound, a gesture, a look, a word attempt, or another meaningful way of showing what they want.

What activities can you do?

You can teach “Go” through simple everyday activities and play.

Use toy cars. Hold the car, pause, and say “Ready... Go!” before letting it move. Repeat the routine so your child can begin to anticipate what happens next.

Try bubbles. Hold the wand still and wait. Model “Go!” before blowing the bubbles and give your child time to show you they are ready.

Use swings, balls, or chase games. Pause before the exciting part and model “Go!” so your child begins to connect the word with the action.

Pause often. Give your child time to respond. They might make a sound, look at you, reach, smile, or attempt “Go.” Any meaningful response counts.

Watch the video

In this video, we explore why “Go” is an important early communication word and how to teach it through everyday play and routines. You'll learn simple activities that can help your toddler begin using “Go” naturally.

These strategies can help your child discover that their communication can help make things happen.