Explore BIGmack and see how a single message can support participation, choice making and confident communication.
Activity Ideas for the BIGmack
The BIGmack is a brilliant single message communicator for learners who benefit from one clear message at a time. Record a word, phrase, sound effect or short line of a song, then let the learner activate it with one satisfying press.
It is simple, reliable, and surprisingly versatile. You can use it to build early communication, encourage participation, support independence, and add a communication layer to play. These activities would also work for the smaller LITTLEmack option.
Before You Start: A Quick Setup Tip
Try choosing a message that the learner can use many times in the same activity. Think turn taking, a repeated story line, or a routine phrase. This keeps success high and helps the learner see that their message has impact.
1. Daily Greetings and Social Connection
Record a friendly greeting such as “Hello” “Good morning” or “Nice to see you”. Use it at the start of the day, at the classroom door, or when someone joins the room.
To keep it fresh, change the message for different people or moments, for example “Hi Sam” or “Welcome back”.
2. Snack Time and Choice Making
BIGmack works really well during snack and drink routines because the message is meaningful and repeated often. Try messages like “More please” “Drink” “Biscuit” or “Finished”.
If choice making is the goal, you can also pair BIGmack with a simple visual choice board. For example, show two picture symbols such as “apple” and “cracker”, then record BIGmack with one consistent phrase like “I want that” or “This one please”. The learner indicates their choice by looking, pointing, reaching, or touching the picture, then presses BIGmack to make the request heard out loud. It’s a lovely way to combine visual support with a clear spoken message, without needing multiple recorded buttons.
3. Asking for Help and Building Independence
A single message can be powerful for self-advocacy. Record “Help please” “Come here” or “I need a hand”.
This works particularly well during tasks that are slightly challenging, like puzzles, dressing skills, building activities, or messy play.
4. Story Time Participation
Choose a book with a repeated line and record the part everyone says again and again. The learner then becomes the person who runs that moment in the story.
A few easy examples:
- The Gingerbread Man: “Run, run as fast as you can”
- Brown Bear style books: “What do you see”
- We are Going on a Bear Hunt: “We cannot go over it”
This is a great way to support attention, timing, literacy and confidence in groups.
5. Games and Turn Taking
Record “My turn” “Your turn” “Go” or “Again”. Use it with simple games like rolling a ball, stacking blocks, pop up toys, board games, or parachute play.
BIGmack can also be a brilliant group job. One learner runs the “Your turn” message for the whole activity.
6. Motivation and Encouragement with Favourite Phrases
If a learner loves a particular character, theme or phrase, use it. Record a motivating line such as “You can do it” “Keep going” or “Great job”.
You can also make it very personal with something that makes them smile, especially when a task is hard or they need a confidence boost.
7. Music Time and Repeated Song Lines
Record a chorus line or sound effect so the learner can join in, even if they are not ready to sing the whole song.
Try:
- “E I E I O”
- “Wheels on the bus”
- “Let it go”
- Or fun sound effects like “Quack” “Roar” or “Beep beep”
This supports listening, anticipation, rhythm, and shared enjoyment.
8. Environmental Control with a Smart Speaker or Phone
BIGmack can also be used for simple control style routines, especially if you are using it alongside a phone or smart speaker.
Record a message like “Play music” “Tell me a joke” or “What is the weather”. Then build a small routine around it, such as choosing a song, setting a timer for a favourite activity, or doing a daily weather check together.
Always check device and voice assistant settings and supervision needs in your setting.
Full credit to Sarah Reilly from A Grain of SaLT NI, we loved the idea, so had to include it!
9. Switch Adapted Toys and Cause and Effect Play
Connect BIGmack to a compatible switch adapted toy or appliance using the toy or appliance output. Now the learner is not just activating a toy, they are communicating too.
Record a matching message such as “Dance time” “Ready, steady, go” or “Watch this”. This can be brilliant for early cause and effect, shared attention and turn taking. We have a dedicated article to
explain how, see ‘Creative Ways to Power Switch Adapted Toys Without a Switch’
10. Feelings and Emotional Expression
Recording a feelings phrase gives learners a simple way to share what is going on for them. Try “I am happy” “I am tired” “I feel cross” or “I need a break”.
Pair it with feelings visuals if that helps the learner make the link.
11. Sensory Play Language
BIGmack can help learners join in with descriptive words during sensory play, even if speech is limited.
Try single words and short phrases like “Soft” “Bumpy” “That is sticky” “More bubbles” or “Stop”. Use it with sensory trays, water play, playdough, shaving foam, or sensory stories.
12. A Simple Scavenger Hunt
Record a clue such as “Find something red” “Look for something soft” or “Find something that makes noise”. The learner presses the BIGmack to hear the prompt, then everyone searches together.
This is a fun way to build listening, attention, movement and problem solving with a clear communication role.
Keep it Learner Led
The most successful BIGmack activities are the ones that match what the learner already enjoys. Start small, keep the message useful and repeatable, and celebrate every press as meaningful communication.
If you are unsure which communicator is the best fit for your learner or setting, our team is always happy to help.