For many children, speech therapy isn’t just about learning new sounds or building stronger language skills, it’s about having fun while doing it! The great news is that everyday play can support your child’s communication development in a natural, engaging way. When kids feel like they’re just having a good time, they’re more relaxed, confident, and ready to learn.
Below are some of my favourite game ideas that boost speech and language skills, but they’re all disguised as play!
Simon Says
Skills targeted: Listening, following directions, vocabulary
This classic game helps children process language quickly and accurately. Try adding new action words like “tiptoe,” “wiggle,” or “march” to expand vocabulary. You can also incorporate concepts like under, behind, or slowly to strengthen understanding. If you are working on your child’s ability to follow instructions, you might give 2-step instructions during the game, using the words “before” and “after” - for example “Simon says touch your toes before you march on the spot”.
I Spy
Skills targeted: Describing words, sentence structure, articulation, letter-sound correspondences
Whether you’re at home, in the car, or waiting in line, I Spy encourages kids to use descriptive language and practice clear speech. Model full sentences like: "I spy something that is round and shiny.", and encourage your child to do the same! If you are working on letter-sound correspondences with your child, you could also get them to say the letter and the sound that what they spy starts with, like: “I spy something that starts with the letter M - mmmm”.
Play Pretend
Skills targeted: Social language, storytelling, turn-taking (this list could be much, much longer!)
Pretend play opens the door to imagination and language growth! Set up a doctor’s clinic, supermarket, or restaurant and take turns being different characters. Prompt your child with questions like:
- “What should the patient do next?”
- “How much does this cost?”
Puzzles or Board Games
Skills targeted: Requesting, turn-taking, problem-solving language, asking and responding to questions
Games like Guess Who, Pop-Up Pirate, Snakes & Ladders, or even a simple floor puzzle can help your child practise asking for help or using other types of questions, using specific words, and communicating during turns.
Scavenger Hunt
Skills targeted: Receptive language, describing skills, letter-sound correspondences
Give your child clues like:
- “Find something soft”
- “Find something that starts with b"
This helps develop their receptive vocabulary and their ability to use descriptive words, as well as their sound awareness — all while staying active!
Helping Your Child Learn Through Play
You don’t need special equipment or hours of structured practice. Everyday play is a powerful tool for speech and language development. A small tweak to your child’s favourite activities can turn fun moments into learning opportunities!
If you’d like personalised ideas tailored to your child’s communication goals, I’m here to help at my speech pathology clinic!
Get in touch today to book an assessment or session and let’s make learning fun together!