WOW + Pause

Adding an Expectant Pause to Core-Word Modeling

WOW + Pause layers an expectant pause onto your Core Word of the Week routine, turning passive exposure into active AAC engagement. After modeling the target core word, you create a natural pause—giving learners time to activate a button, point to a symbol, or sign the word themselves. This aided-language stimulation technique boosts independent device use, validates attempts with meaningful feedback, and deepens real-world communication skills.

Why use WOW + Pause?

• More spontaneous communication. Expectant pauses increase the likelihood that emergent AAC users will initiate or respond without prompting, promoting true language ownership.
• Stronger word retention. Self-generated activations paired with immediate, context-based validation (“Yes—go!”) provide the high-quality repetitions linked to durable vocabulary gains.
• Reduced prompt dependence. Gradual shifting from full modeling to timed pauses teaches learners to take the conversational lead, fostering autonomy across settings.