As a speech-language pathologist working with children, I love to sprinkle fun into each therapy session I plan! Targeting speech sounds and words doesn’t have to be a dull, repetitive task. It can easily be transformed into a playful, engaging activity by SLPs and parents alike. Here are a few creative ways that parents can use word cards (provided by their child’s SLP) to practice sounds at home. These ideas will help reinforce skills and accelerate progress in between therapy sessions and during holiday breaks. Parents, you don’t need any fancy equipment, just a few simple materials you probably already have at home!
1. Drive the Sounds Home with Toy Cars
This one’s a favorite for keeping things moving! Spread the cards on the floor to create a “road,” and let your child drive toy cars over each card. Before each vehicle zooms over a card, have your child say the word.
2. Build a Tower with Target Words
Grab some blocks and a stack of cards, and you’re ready to build! As your child places each card on top of his block tower, have him say the word on the card.
3. Feed the Hungry Animals
Do you have toy animals or stuffed animals lying around your house? Perfect! Use them to create a fun "feeding" activity where the animals "eat" the picture cards. Each time your child gives an animal a card, they need to say the target on the card.
4. Bury & Find Cards
This sensory-rich activity is simple and fun! Fill a bin with pom poms, cotton balls, beans, or dry pasta and bury the picture cards underneath. Your child will use a shovel, tongs, or even his hand to find the cards, and practice a word each time he uncovers one.
5. Play Board Games with Target Words
Turn a family board game into an opportunity for speech practice. Games like "Candy Land," “Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel,” or "Connect Four" can easily incorporate the target words by having your child say a word from the picture cards at the start of each turn.
6. Show & Tell
Take the picture cards with you to share with a family member or friend. Ask your child to show each card and practice saying the words.
7. Hide Cards Under Cups
For a simple, yet effective game, hide the picture cards under plastic cups and mix them around. When your child lifts each cup, he’ll reveal a card and say the word.
8. Smash Playdough on Cards
If your child enjoys playdough, this is an excellent, sensory activity to practice sounds and words. Have your child smoosh a playdough ball on each picture card as they say the word. Be sure the cards are laminated, so they stay in good condition.
9. Hop from Word to Word
For a little speech practice and exercise, place the picture cards around the room on the floor, and have your child hop from one to another while saying the word on each card.
10. Mark Your Words
Have your child use a stamp, highlighter, or dry erase marker (if your cards are laminated) to track progress with his practice. One mark can represent anywhere from 1-5 times that he said the target word.
Next time you’re looking for a way to keep your child’s speech skills sharp between sessions and during vacations, try one (or more!) of these creative, hands-on activities. Your child will have a blast practicing their target sounds, and you’ll have fun too!
Best,
- Johanna Sims, M.S.. CCC-SLP