Tools of the Trade

Today was a "Shop Day" for Sam at the Tech School, and like I do every day, I asked him how his day went. "Good", was the response. Again, pretty much like every day. This is usually just the opener. We both knew the hard part was coming next: trying to get some of the details.

This can be a little tricky. Sam's come a long way, but his vocabulary can be limited and word retrieval can be really hard for him. I want to encourage him and I want him to take some risks, but I don't want it to be a complete exercise in frustration for him.

"So, what did you do?", I ask
His face gets that stressful look. "Well...", he says, thinking. "We got to make some pine cone bird feeders!"
"Oh, that's great." I said.
"Uh huh, yeah, and I got to use one of those thingys", he says, making a squeezing motion with his hand. "I never thought I would get to use one of those! You know, you put the metal things in it?" He pinches his fingers and makes a couple of short, drawn out motions.

I have no idea what he's talking about and judging by the look on his face, it must be evident by the look on mine. So I try to act nonchalant. I try to get him to take his time.

"I forget the name." he says, "I think it has 'frog' in it."

Frog in it? Now I'm really lost. I try to make a couple of guesses, but I'm wrong and he's clearly getting a little frustrated at trying to find the words. "You know, it holds things together" he says. I make another guess or two, but I'm wrong again.

Finally, I suggest that he draws a picture. As he starts drawing, it immediately becomes clear.
"Oh", I say, "a rivet gun!"
"Yeah!", says Sam.

Sam's "Ribbet" Gun

Now I get the 'frog' part.