June of this year will mark my 25th year in this field and every great now and again over the course of those years, I have been asked the question, "So, basically you are just playing?" It’s a common reaction that many therapists have heard, and here's the answer: Yes, we are playing! But with a twist. As a pediatric speech-language pathologist (SLP), I can assure you that while speech therapy looks like play, what looks like everyday play is actually an essential part of your child’s language development.
1. Play = Motivation = Progress
Kids are naturally motivated by play. Seriously, give a child a toy of interest and a little time, and they’ll show you how it’s done. In therapy, we use that magical playtime to keep your child engaged while targeting their specific speech goals. If you’ve ever wondered why we sing songs, play games, or build block towers, it’s because that’s what gets your child excited and ready to practice! And when they’re excited, they don’t even realize they’re learning! The key in our therapy sessions is getting to know the child, know the toys that they love and that keeps them engaged and use those toys to help them build communication skills.
2. Speech Therapy May Look Like Play, but It’s All About Real-Life Skills
Sure, your child may be stacking blocks, but they’re also stacking up some serious language skills. In play-based therapy, we’re creating real-life communication opportunities—without the pressure. From demonstrating how to request “more” and “help” when they want a turn with the toy to using big sentences during pretend play, every moment of play creates opportunities and purposeful play. Yes, even that pretend pizza party is secretly a language lesson in disguise. Shh, don’t tell them!
3. Speech Therapy = No Stress Zone
Let’s face it, kids don’t always love sitting still and drilling skills (who can blame them?). But when they’re playing, they’re relaxed. They’re having fun. And that makes them way more willing to practice the sounds and words they might struggle with. So, the next time your child is laughing while “playing” with a toy kitchen, remember—they might be learning how to ask for things politely or making a complete sentence. Multitasking at its best!
4. Building Confidence, One Toy at a Time
Speech therapy is all about helping kids feel confident using their voices. And guess what? Play provides the perfect, pressure-free environment for them to experiment. Whether they’re using toys to tell a story, practicing new words, or making up silly songs, play gives them the chance to express themselves in ways that feel natural and fun. Over time, this builds their confidence to communicate both at home and in the world.
Conclusion: Play Hard, Learn Harder
So, next time you peek into your child’s therapy session and see a lot of toys, laughter, and maybe some pretend scenarios, don’t be fooled. It’s not just play; it’s strategic play. And when we play, your child’s communication skills grow stronger, bit by bit. As an SLP, I can’t think of a better way to help kids learn, and I’m pretty sure your child would agree—they’re having too much fun to notice they’re also working!
In the world of speech therapy, play is just the secret that makes everything a little more exciting (and a lot more effective).
In our next post, we'll dive into the wonderful world of play! 🎉 We'll explore some of the different types of play and how they can help your little ones become communication superheroes! So, grab your capes and stay tuned for some fun insights that will help to further understand the power of play and how it is one of the secrets to get your littles chatting!
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