An object of reference is a whole physical object, or part of an object, that you hold or touch to represent or identify: 

• A person.
• An object. 
• A place. 
• An activity. 
• An idea.

This approach is used for children at the earliest levels of understanding who find it difficult to understand spoken words, signs, symbols or photographs. Adults encourage them to handle a real object which becomes part of the activity.  For example, a cup may represent a drink or a swimsuit might represent swimming. 

Objects of reference can help children to: 

• Make their own choices. 
• Understand more of what people are saying. 
• Ask someone to start an activity. 
• Ask someone to end an activity. 
• Ask for something they want. 
• Ask to do something or go somewhere. 
• Understand the different things planned for the day and when they’ll happen.