Speech therapy helps kids (and adults!) improve communication skills through active play. In speech therapy sessions, a trained professional works with patients to help them learn to say words clearly, understand what others are saying, and use language to express themselves. It’s all about helping people participate more fully in their daily lives by improving the way they communicate with others.
A fun speech therapy game is a great way for children to practice their speech skills. Children learn best when they are engaged and having fun, so a good speech therapy game can be an effective tool for teaching children. A wide variety of speech therapy games are available for purchase online or in stores, but many therapists and parents have found that simple games played at home can also promote positive communication skills development.
A number of simple games can be used to help a child develop his or her speech skills. In the game “What’s Missing?”, prepare a table with several items on it, such as colored blocks, toys, or other objects. Ask the child to look at the table and name the items that are there. Then, remove one item while the child is not looking and ask him or her, “What’s missing?” The child will work on problem-solving skills as well as his or her articulation when he or she tries to identify what has been removed from the array.
Another game called “I Spy” can be played anywhere, even while driving in a car or waiting at the doctor’s office.
Here are some of our favorite games we play with speech therapy patients:
- Ninja Turtle Talk
In this game, the patient picks a Ninja Turtle (Raphael, Donatello, Michelangelo or Leonardo). They then get to “become” their favorite turtle by wearing clothing or holding an object that reminds them of their selected turtle. Once they’re in character, the therapist asks questions about the turtle. These questions help the patient practice different language skills, like saying words that start with specific sounds or describing actions and objects.
- Whack-a-Word
This is another game all about vocabulary. The patient practices saying words from a certain category (like animals, food or clothes). You can use pictures of these items for younger kids and teens, or just say the word for older kids and adults. When they say the word correctly, they get to hit a toy hammer onto a big foam block with each word written on it.
- Whisper Phone
Patients have to use whisper phones (or homemade versions) when talking to other people in this game.