5 Fun and Engaging Speech Therapy Activities for Home Practice
Speech therapy doesn’t have to end when the session is over! Parents and caregivers play a vital role in helping children practice and strengthen their communication skills at home. Incorporating fun and engaging activities into daily routines makes learning enjoyable and helps children progress faster. Here are five speech therapy activities you can do at home that promote communication while keeping kids entertained.
- Scavenger Hunt with a Twist
What You’ll Need: A list of household items, toys, or pictures
How to Play:
Create a scavenger hunt around your home with items your child can easily find. Add a speech therapy twist by using descriptive language to guide them. For example:
- “Find something that is soft and starts with the letter ‘T.’”
- “Bring me something you wear on your feet.”
For younger children, focus on simpler prompts, like colors or basic shapes (“Find something blue”). Encourage your child to describe the items they find using full sentences, such as, “This is a blue ball.”
Why It Works:
This activity helps with vocabulary building, following directions, and forming sentences—all while encouraging movement and interaction.
- Storytime with Sound Play
What You’ll Need: A favorite storybook or short picture book
How to Play:
Choose a book with repetitive phrases or rhyming patterns. Read the story aloud and encourage your child to join in on the repetitive parts. Pause occasionally and ask your child to predict what happens next or to describe what they see in the pictures.
For articulation practice, focus on target sounds. For example, if your child is working on the “S” sound, choose a story with lots of “S” words and emphasize them during reading.
Why It Works:
Storytime enhances listening, comprehension, and sound awareness while making speech practice feel natural and fun.
- Kitchen Conversations
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for a simple recipe (e.g., making sandwiches or cookies)
How to Play:
Turn snack time or meal prep into a language-building activity. Give your child step-by-step instructions to follow, such as, “Spread the peanut butter,” or “Pour the milk.” Encourage them to narrate their actions (“I’m putting jelly on the bread”).
For added challenge, introduce sequencing practice by asking them to explain the steps of the recipe after you’re done.
Why It Works:
This activity improves listening, following directions, and sequencing skills—all while engaging your child’s senses.
- DIY Puppet Show
What You’ll Need: Socks, markers, glue, and other craft supplies
How to Play:
Create simple sock puppets with your child and put on a puppet show. Use the puppets to act out scenarios that encourage communication, such as meeting a new friend, going to the store, or solving a problem.
Prompt your child to practice specific sounds, phrases, or social skills, like taking turns in conversation or asking questions.
Why It Works:
Role-playing through puppets makes practice less intimidating and helps with articulation, social language, and creative storytelling.
- Picture Guessing Game
What You’ll Need: Pictures of animals, objects, or people (printed or on a phone/tablet)
How to Play:
Hold up a picture without showing it to your child and give them clues to guess what it is. For example:
- “It’s an animal that barks.”
- “It’s something you eat for breakfast, and it’s yellow.”
Alternatively, let your child describe the picture while you guess, encouraging them to use descriptive language.
Why It Works:
This game boosts vocabulary, critical thinking, and expressive language skills while making practice feel like play.
Tips for Success
- Keep the activities short and engaging to match your child’s attention span.
- Praise effort, not just accuracy, to build confidence.
- Make speech practice part of your daily routine, like during playtime, meals, or car rides.
Conclusion
Speech therapy at home doesn’t have to be a chore—it can be a bonding experience filled with fun and laughter. These five activities are just a starting point to help your child practice their communication skills in a natural and playful way. Remember, consistency and enthusiasm go a long way in supporting your child’s progress.