4 Benefits of Play Based Speech Therapy
By Kaileigh Nall, M.S. CCC-SLP
Kids Place North Speech & Feeding Therapist
What is Play-Based Speech Therapy?
Play-based therapy is a client-led approach in which the child chooses a toy or activity and the speech-language pathologist uses the activity to effectively target the skills the child is working to achieve.
What Are the Benefits of Play-Based Speech Therapy?
- The child is more motivated to participate and engage in speech therapy if it is an activity of interest.
- Play-based therapy helps to build rapport between the therapist and child.
- Speech goals are targeted in a naturalistic play-based setting that can help children develop other important play skills to support them in interactions with peers.
- It can provide an example of how to target speech goals as a part of the home exercises program as opposed to giving parents a set list of words for the child to sit down and practice.
Example of Play-Based Therapy
Activity: Child chose to go on the therapy swing.
Speech Target: “S’ sound and “s” blends
Words: Swing, stop, spin, circle, so high, slow
Watch an example of this here!
If you’re curious about how Kids Place Pediatric Therapy can help your child through play-based therapy, please feel free to contact us. We’re here to help your child live better, feel better, and PLAY better!
