What is it?
Wait time is the intentional pause that gives learners enough time to process information, formulate a response, and communicate before someone repeats, rephrases, prompts, or moves on. The amount of time needed varies by person and situation and may be longer for learners who use AAC, alternative access, or other communication methods.
How to use it?
After asking a question, offering a choice, or making a conversational comment, pause and give the learner time to respond. Resist the urge to immediately repeat the question, add prompts, offer possible answers, or answer for the learner. Watch for communication across modalities, including AAC, gestures, facial expressions, eye gaze, movement, and speech. Build adequate response time into whole-class discussions as well as individual interactions so learners who need more processing or communication time can contribute.
Why use it?
Processing a question, deciding what to say, locating language, and physically producing a response can take time. When communication partners respond too quickly, learners may lose opportunities to initiate, answer, or express their own ideas. Adequate wait time can reduce pressure and prompting while increasing independence, communication, and authentic participation in classroom interactions.
