Play-based speech and language therapy

Written By Sonia Chowdhury Lopez

WHAT IS PLAY-BASED SPEECH THERAPY, AND WHY IS IT RECOMMENDED?

Play-based therapy is when a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) plans speech and/or language goals around a toy or game. In play-based speech therapy, the speech therapist sets up opportunities for the child to practice target skills while using interesting toys and activities. Research suggests play-based speech therapy can be one of the most effective ways to support language development in your child as it enables your child to target their goals in a more functional and naturalistic way while also increasing their attention and engagement.

THE SIX STAGES OF PLAY DEVELOPMENT

Unoccupied Play (Birth - 3 Months)

When your child plays by themselves, exploring different ways to move their arms, legs, hands, and feet while learning how it feels to move.

Solitary Play (Birth - 2 Years)

When your child plays alone, and they are not interested in any social interaction.

Spectator/Onlooker Play (2 Years)

When your child watches others play, but does not join in.

Parallel Play (2+ Years)

When your child plays alongside or near other children without interacting with them.

Associative Play (3 -4 Years)

When your child begins to play with other children but doing their own individual actions and not coordinating efforts.

Cooperative Play (4+ Years)

When your child engages in play with other children while demonstrating interest in both the activity as well as the other children and working together to achieve a common goal.

THE TYPES OF PLAY THAT CAN BE TARGETED IN PLAY-BASED SPEECH THERAPY

Exploratory Play: When children explore objects and toys using their senses,

Functional Play: When children explore how common objects work and are used,

Construction Play: When children use objects to build things.

Game Play with Rules: When children participate in board games that have a clear set of rules for playing, they use logic and appropriate social skills to navigate this type of play.

Energetic Play: When children participate in activities that involve physical movement.

Dramatic Play: When children participate in everyday, common activities as play.

WAYS AN SLP IMPLEMENTS PLAY INTO THEIR SPEECH THERAPY SESSIONS

  • Follows the child’s lead.

  • Gets on the child’s level and interacts with the child using an animated voice.

  • Reduces the demands to keep it feeling natural rather than clinician-directed.

  • Avoids drills and commands such as “Say ____”

  • Models the child’s specific speech and language targets throughout play naturally.

  • Provides toys, games, and activities that are appropriate for the child’s developmental age and interesting to the child.

  • Provides a choice of 2 to 3 preferred and non-preferred toys, games, or activities.

  • Sets a timer consistently to help ease transitions between various play activities

TO CREATE A SPEECH THERAPY ENVIRONMENT THAT SUPPORTS PLAY-BASED SPEECH THERAPY, A THERAPIST CAN INCLUDE PLAY-BASED TOYS, GAMES, AND ACTIVITIES SUCH AS:

  • Bubbles

  • Blocks

  • Wind-Up Toys

  • Balloon Pump

  • Plastic Food

  • Transportation Vehicles

  • Farmhouse

  • Doll House

  • Vet Clinic

  • Memory Game

WHY SHOULD I SEEK A PLAY-BASED SPEECH THERAPIST?

Play-based speech therapy involves targeting various speech and language goals in a more natural and functional way, which encourages carryover of skills. Play-based speech therapy also fosters a positive relationship between the child and the adult, keeps the child engaged longer, and teaches them social skills that are essential for play. Play is an essential tool for promoting language development in your child. When play-based speech therapy is executed accurately, it can help your child make associations with real life events and create lasting memories that are needed for speech, language, and social skills. Therefore, I encourage you to seek a well-trained play-based Speech-Language Pathologist for your child. Let’s play and learn together!


Sonia Chowdhury Lopez