What would be an appropriate prompt for a student reaching for a toy?

Prompting the child to ask for the toy is a very effective way of encouraging communication and social interaction. This approach promotes language development by giving the child an opportunity to express their desires verbally, fostering their ability to communicate effectively in various contexts. The act of asking for the toy not only helps the child develop language skills but also encourages them to engage in turn-taking and interactive play, which are crucial aspects of social development.

Furthermore, by prompting the child to ask for the toy, it reinforces the idea that requests can be made verbally rather than just through non-verbal means, creating a more meaningful interaction. This method aligns with principles of behavior analysis, as it not only supports the child's communicative behavior but also increases the likelihood of that behavior being used in the future.

The other options involve methods that may not be as effective in enhancing the child's communication skills. Simply asking the child to name the toy focuses more on labeling rather than requesting. Instructing the child to wait for permission may create frustration, as it does not allow for immediate engagement with the toy. Encouraging the child to point to the toy can promote non-verbal communication, but it does not necessarily support the development of verbal skills as effectively as prompting for a request does.