Finding ways to practice speech therapy activities with your kids at home can be a challenge!
Whether they simply aren't motivated, aren't taking it 'seriously', or just decided that none of the exact same toys as the speech therapist used are good enough, help is at hand. Here are a few suggestions of activities that might facilitate speech therapy practice at home.
Treasure Hunt
Tried and tested, treasure hunts can be small scale or extend over the whole house (or park, beach, playground, etc.) Whether you're burying your speech targets in kinetic sand or literally hiding them in trees (geocaching, anyone?), get creative with how you might convert an A4 page of 'yawn' to an hour of 'yahoo!'
Just don't forget how many things you hid and where they are!
Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack optional extra.
Obstacle Course
Some kids love racing, rolling, rollicking on beanbags, or ricocheting off their bedroom furniture. Rather than tear them away from this fun, consider if you can use it to motivate and mould their speech practice.
Perhaps 5 word targets = 10 star jumps
Or 2 minutes of practice = 1 turn at an obstacle course
If you don't actually know how to convert your home/yard into an obstacle course with the laundry baskets and pool noodles you already have, look at this video for some inspiration.
Footpath Chalk
Cheap and cheerful, chalk pictures, hopscotch, or racing lines might be the artistic expression your child needs to get their speech practice done!
Many big stores like Big W, KMart, and Officeworks supply all your artistic needs for under $5.
Footpath chalk is inexpensive and washes away easily with a bottle of water or after rain.
Messy Play
Sensory play isn't just for little ones! Whether it's sand pits, water trays, or bubble mixture galore, trade your child's co-operation with something they would really rather be doing. Like shaving foam hand paintings. Or Betty Crocker cake baking (hey, mud pies work too!)
Toy & Game Rental
Buying toys and new books can add up and it's possible after only a few 'turns' your child gets bored of the same Pop-up Pirate or Jenga ruse.
Consider monthly toy swaps with your friends or investigate if a toy library or toy rental scheme might be the solution. Op shops and recycle depots also offer low cost bargains for preloved games and toys.
Whatever you try, remember to keep it safe, keep it productive, and keep it fun! If your child's not in their optimal learning state, it's likely time for some new ideas in consultation with your speech pathologist.
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