Best Games for Speech Language Therapy

Why Play Games in Speech Language Therapy?

Using games in speech therapy sessions isn’t just about having fun—it’s about creating an engaging environment where kids (and even teens!) can build critical communication skills. Games help reduce anxiety, boost motivation, and promote natural language use. Plus, they're an easy way to work on turn-taking, following directions, and problem-solving. Here’s a list of some fantastic games you can find on Amazon that are perfect for your therapy sessions!

1. Crocodile Dentist

• Why I use it: Quick, simple, and hilarious, this game is great for working on turn-taking and describing actions. Kids love the suspense of waiting to see if the crocodile will "chomp!"

• Therapy tip: Great for simple turn-taking or have kids practice asking for their turn using complete sentences.

2. Pop the Pig

• Why I use it: This interactive game is a hit with younger kids! It promotes color recognition, counting, and sequencing—all while keeping them engaged.

• Therapy tip: Use it for sentence-building (e.g., “I feed the pig a green hamburger”) or for reinforcing numbers during counting tasks.

3. Pop Up Pirate

• Why I use it: The element of surprise keeps kids laughing and focused. It’s a great tool for practicing vocabulary and expressive language.

• Therapy tip: Incorporate positional concepts like “above,” “below,” or “next to” when placing the swords.

4. Candy Land - Bluey Edition

• Why I use it: Who doesn't love Bluey? As a parent, I even enjoy Bluey as much as my kids do! 😊 Classic Candy Land gets a fun twist with Bluey characters, making it even more appealing. It’s excellent for working on colors, turn-taking, and storytelling.

• Therapy tip: Use the game’s path to encourage kids to narrate their journey (“I’m going to the green space!”).

5. Honey Bee Tree

• Why I use it: This game requires careful planning, making it great for teaching impulse control and problem-solving. Plus, it’s a visual and tactile treat!

• Therapy tip: Work on action words like “pull,” “drop,” and “fall” or have students predict what will happen next.

6. What Do You Meme? Family Edition

• Why I use it: This is perfect for older kids and teens. It encourages humor, creativity, and social skills, especially around interpreting expressions and emotions.

• Therapy tip: Use the cards as conversation starters or for practicing inferencing and perspective-taking.

Games are inherently motivating, which means kids are more likely to participate and stay engaged. They create a natural setting for practicing communication skills like requesting, commenting, describing, and answering questions. Plus, they help students build social skills, such as waiting their turn, sharing, and responding to peers.

Quick Tips for Using Games in Therapy

• Adapt the rules: Simplify or modify rules to fit the child’s developmental level.

  Add language goals: Focus on target skills like vocabulary, sentence structure, or social communication.

  Target articulation and language goals: You can target any articulation or language goals you want while playing games. I like to use flashcards or word lists to keep the session focused and goal-driven.

  Make it fun: Celebrate small wins and keep the energy positive to maintain engagement.

Best, SaraBeth 😊

This post includes affiliate links. I only recommend products and companies I personally use and trust. All opinions are my own.

What are some fun games you use in speech therapy? I’m always looking for new games to add to my rotation!