A Day With No Words: questions to ask and activities to try
A child and his mum spend a whole day together without spoken words, and say plenty. A Day With No Words shows that communication is full and meaningful when it happens through a tablet, gestures and looks.
What age is it for? A Day With No Words is best for ages 4–8. Good for: Autism, AAC and communication without spoken words.
A Day With No Words (Tiffany Hammond)
- Age
- 4-8
- Best for
- Autism, AAC and communication without spoken words
Ask how the child in the story tells people what he wants to say. The book is a chance to show that speaking is one way to communicate, not the only way, and that non-speaking people have plenty to say.
What it helps with
- Understanding AAC (talking with a device or pictures)
- Autism and non-speaking communication
- Seeing all communication as real communication
- Being a patient, respectful listener
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “How is this child telling other people what he wants to say?”
- “What did his mum understand without words?”
- “What other ways can people talk to each other?”
- “How could you be a good friend to someone who uses a tablet to talk?”
- “What would you say if someone was taking longer to answer?”
- “What did you notice about how the day felt?”
5-minute activities to try together
Ask without speaking
Try asking for a snack without speaking, using pictures or gestures, then talk about how it felt.
Make a picture board
Draw six pictures for everyday things (drink, snack, outside, help, toilet, hug) and use them for a few minutes instead of words.
Free printables: A Day With No Words worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
Free. We’ll only email you if you tick the box.
If your child liked this, try
My Whirling Twirling Motor (Merriam Sarcia Saunders)
- Best for
- ADHD, movement, impulsivity and strengths
- Age
- 4-8
The Invisible Boy (Trudy Ludwig)
- Best for
- Friendship, exclusion, quieter children and inclusion
- Age
- 5-8
A Friend for Henry (Jenn Bailey)
- Best for
- Autism, friendship and sensory/social differences
- Age
- 4-8
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 1 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.