Engaging young children in speech therapy requires creativity, fun, and a touch of strategy. Games are a fantastic way to motivate kids while building essential speech and language skills. Here’s a list of 10 fun and effective games you can use in speech therapy sessions or even at home to encourage communication, articulation, and language development.
1. Guess the Object
What It Targets: Descriptive language, vocabulary, and inferencing skills
- Place objects or pictures in a bag. Have the child describe the object without naming it while others guess what it is.
- Why It Works: Kids practice using descriptive language and learn new vocabulary in a playful way.
One approach I love is incorporating a Vocabulary Words of the Month display in my classroom. One student tries to guess the word while the rest of the class gives clues, creating a collaborative learning environment.
I also enjoy using the commercial game HEADBANZ, but I noticed that for some of my students, it was a bit too challenging. They often struggled with either giving clues or understanding how to piece them together to make an inference. To address this, I created my own customized games to scaffold these skills.
These adaptations include teaching students how to provide specific descriptors or how to ask questions that guide them toward the correct answer. I’ve also designed games around a variety of categories, which helps reinforce their understanding of categorization. Once I see that students are secure in their knowledge, I combine categories in the activity. This challenges them to apply their inferencing skills and narrow down possibilities effectively.
This modified approach not only builds foundational language skills but also fosters critical thinking and confidence in communication—a win-win for everyone involved! This is a fun game you can use in speech therapy sessions.
2. Roll and Say
What It Targets: Articulation and sound practice
- Write target sounds or words on a game board or use flashcards. Roll a dice and have the child practice saying the word/sound the corresponding number of times.
- Why It Works: Incorporates movement and randomness to keep practice fun and engaging.
This is an easy game you can use in speech therapy sessions.
3. Feed the Monster
What It Targets: Speech sounds and word repetition
- Use a decorated box as a “monster” and feed it cards with target words or sounds.
- Why It Works: The interactive, silly activity motivates kids to participate and practice.
4. Barrier Games
What It Targets: Listening skills, expressive language, and following directions
- Sit across from the child with a barrier between you. Use identical sets of materials, and give directions for creating something (e.g., building with blocks).
- Why It Works: Encourages clear communication and active listening.
5. Silly Sentences
What It Targets: Syntax, grammar, and sentence structure
- Create silly sentence prompts using flashcards with nouns, verbs, and adjectives. For example, “The cat danced with a purple sandwich.”
- Why It Works: Kids laugh while practicing sentence-building skills.
6. Sound Hopscotch
What It Targets: Articulation and gross motor skills
- Use a hopscotch board with target sounds in each square. The child says the sound or word as they hop to the square.
- Why It Works: Combines movement with speech practice, keeping energy levels high.
7. Picture Match-Up
What It Targets: Vocabulary, categorization, and associations
- Use matching cards with images of objects. Kids pair related items (e.g., fork and plate).
- Why It Works: Strengthens cognitive connections while expanding vocabulary.
8. I Spy
What It Targets: Vocabulary and attention to detail
- Play the classic game “I Spy” with a focus on colors, shapes, or specific objects. For example, “I spy something that is round and red.”
- Why It Works: Encourages descriptive language and vocabulary growth.
9. Treasure Hunt
What It Targets: Following directions and receptive language
- Hide items around the room and give verbal clues for the child to find them. Adjust complexity based on the child’s language level.
- Why It Works: Builds listening skills and encourages active problem-solving.
10. Story Dice
What It Targets: Storytelling, sequencing, and creativity
- Use dice with pictures or prompts to create a story together. Each roll adds a new element to the story.
- Why It Works: Encourages expressive language and fosters creativity.
Tips for Success
- Keep It Simple: Ensure the game matches the child’s developmental level to avoid frustration.
- Incorporate Interests: Tailor activities to the child’s hobbies or favorite themes (e.g., dinosaurs, superheroes).
- Celebrate Success: Use positive reinforcement to keep kids motivated and engaged.
Conclusion
Speech therapy games don’t just build essential communication skills—they also make learning enjoyable for kids. By incorporating play into therapy sessions, children are more likely to stay engaged and achieve their speech and language goals.
What are your favorite speech therapy games? Share your tips and ideas in the comments below!
Related Blogs:
- Playing Games to Enhance Student’s Receptive and Expressive Language Skills
- Using Commercial Games in Speech Therapy
- Multi-Sensory Strategies for Teaching Sight Words
