Speech Therapy Activities

Let's take a peek into speech therapy...

The SLP uses interventions that focus on improving the way communication sounds. Speech disorders include articulation, fluency, and voice. Each child who receives speech services will have individual goals according to their Individual Education Plan (IEP). During therapy, the therapist models correct sounds and syllables in words and sentences, often with play-based activities.

If a student is frequently off-task reflecting a lack of interest, therapists can embed high-interest intervention in motivating play activities. The level of play is age-appropriate and related to the child's specific needs. “If you’re bored, then the child is probably bored.” It's time to spice up the activities. 

Articulation

“The wabbit woves wed wibbons” (The rabbit loves red ribbons.)

For articulation intervention, the SLP will show the child how to make certain sounds and may demonstrate how to move the tongue to produce specific sounds. Articulation often requires specific drilled repetition. The sounds should be practiced at the sound level, syllable, word level, sentence level, and within conversations. 

Here are some activities in which to play and practice targeted articulation sounds at various levels. Click the picture to learn more about the activity and download the pdf. 

Fluency

Students who stutter often benefit from interventions to improve the fluency of speech. Here are some visual strategies to support fluency.

Voice

Voice disorders may include challenges with volume, pitch, or quality of the voice that may affect the listener's understanding. Some may cause pain or discomfort or cause long term strains of the voice when speaking. Here are some visuals to support instruction in voice. 

Remember, get the most out of each session by keeping it fun and playful. Embed speech practice in movement, crafts, and fun games. For more ideas for speech therapy, visit our Sharing Center Communication section.