Q3 What doing is for actions
You will need:
- Hexagon SHAPE CODING shape (plus oval), blue pen
- Short action picture/photo sequence
- Character toys/small figures
App settings: Default
Intervention steps:
- Lay the hexagon shape on the table.

- Ask the child to make one of the toys/figures do something. Give examples, such as jump, hop, shout, sleep, clap.
As they act out each verb, ask: “WHAT is X DOING?”, e.g. when they make Superman fly, ask: “WHAT is Superman DOING?” Hold/point to the hexagon shape as you ask. When the child answers: “flying”, say: “Yes, flying” and write flying in the hexagon (colour code in blue).
Say: “The hexagon tells us WHAT someone is DOING”.
N.B. The child’s phrase does not have to be grammatically accurate; just a reference to the action, not Superman himself.
If the child gives a non-verb response, e.g. “Superman, table, off”, give a forced alternative, e.g. “Is this flying or swimming?” Write the correct response in the hexagon as above.
If the child, gives a longer phrase, e.g. “falling off table”, write the whole phrase in the hexagon but just underline the verb part in blue.
Repeat with the other toys.
- To ensure the child understands the difference between oval and hexagon, link with Q1&2. Lay out two shapes: oval + hexagon. Ask the child to help you make a story by acting it out with the toys or by sequencing a set of pictures, e.g. “Teddy (is) falling, Superman (is) flying. Mum (is) cheering”. Point to the oval as you say the subject; point to the hexagon as you say the verb.
- Pick up the oval and ask: “WHO is falling? WHO is flying? WHO is cheering?”
- Pick up the hexagon and ask: “WHAT is Teddy/Superman/Mum DOING?” Ensure the child responds with the correct phrase/shape information.
- Practise finding the WHAT DOING phrase in written sentences, if appropriate.
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