Why do we use Play in Speech Therapy Sessions?
- Pratiksha Gupta
- 5 hours ago
- 4 min read
Play in speech therapy is a child-directed approach that includes the usage of various materials like toys and games. It helps the child improve on their speech and language goals in the most naturalistic environment while also being enjoyable and fun for the child. If you have visited a speech therapist before, you may wonder why there are so many toys in the room. And why does it seem that they are always playing? Well, play in speech therapy is used because of its many reasons and benefits. Read on to learn more.
Reasons why we use it?
Play-based speech therapy is rooted in decades of research showing that children learn best when they feel safe, engaged, and excited to explore. This evidence-based approach taps into a child’s natural curiosity and drive to interact with their world. Unlike purely structured methods, play therapy blends goals seamlessly into fun activities, which not only makes sessions feel less like “work” but also accelerates skill development. Below are some of the key reasons why play is at the heart of effective speech therapy sessions:
Increases the child’s motivation.
When we use play during speech therapy sessions, it motivates the child to participate in the session. In comparison to traditional speech and language approaches, play in speech is much more motivating for the child. And motivation is a key ingredient towards progress in your child’s speech and language goals. Incorporating play-based speech therapy strategies ensures that children stay engaged and eager to learn.
Drastically increases the number of opportunities for the child to learn from.
Children learn best when we create opportunities for them. When we use play, there are numerous ways we can use a single toy or game to target speech and language skills. This is also known as ‘communication temptations’. Because it is so diverse and varied, play in speech can be used to create multiple opportunities during the sessions.
Child-directed therapy approach.
Play is child-directed. This means the therapist lays out the materials in front of the child and creates opportunities for the child to use them. The child then chooses toys based on what they are interested in at the time. The speech therapist uses this opportunity to target the speech and language goals. This approach is central to play-based speech therapy, which respects the child’s natural interests and leads to better outcomes.
The child is the active participator.
When play is child-directed, the child becomes an active participator in the activity. And when the child is an active participator, they learn better. This active participation not only supports speech development but also boosts confidence and social interaction.
Always interesting and enjoyable.
Everyone loves to play with toys. It is an enjoyable and fun activity to do. When using play, children tend to think that they are just playing with the toys. On the other hand, they will be acquiring the targeted speech and language skills simultaneously, but in an enjoyable way. That’s what play in speech is all about!
Creates a naturalistic environment to learn within.
Play is a skill that develops over time and with age. There are various stages of play development that children transition through across their childhood. And this is what makes play a natural environment. They then acquire skills through those stages in the environment that they love to be in.
Children learn and retain information better.
Because of all the reasons listed above, children learn and retain information in the best way possible i.e. using play in speech. The engaging, multisensory nature of play-based speech therapy makes learning stick and helps children apply their new skills in daily life.
Benefits of using Play in Speech therapy
Play-based speech therapy is not just an enjoyable way to work on communication—it is a highly effective, evidence-based approach that supports all areas of a child’s development. By weaving speech and language targets into fun, interactive activities, therapists can help children make faster and more lasting progress. Below are some of the powerful benefits of using play in speech therapy sessions:
Pre-linguistic skill development
Eye Contact
Joint Attention
Pointing
Facial Expressions/Body Language
Social Gestures/Signs
Turn-Taking /Social Routines and Sequences
Babbling/Symbolic Noises
Imitation
Language development
Grammar development
Vocabulary development
Pragmatic skills
Social- Communication development
Using language for speech tasks like greeting, demanding, promising, etc.
Manipulating language to suit the listener or situation like talking to a baby vs talking to a teacher etc.
Following rules for storytelling tasks or conversations such as turn-taking, staying on topic, etc.
Social development
Sharing
Cooperating
Listening
Following directions
Respecting personal space
Using manners
Cognitive development
Creativity
Abstract thinking
Imagination
Problem-solving
Social cognition
Mastering new concepts
Emotional development
Enjoyment
Relaxation
Release of energy
Self-expression
Tension reduction
The benefits of play based speech therapy go far beyond simply having fun. By embedding communication goals into meaningful, engaging activities, children learn faster, retain more, and feel proud of their progress. Whether it’s building early language skills, improving social interactions, or boosting confidence, play provides the natural foundation every child needs to thrive. At 1SpecialPlace, we believe every child deserves a joyful and empowering therapy experience. Our expert speech-language pathologists use evidence-based play techniques to create customized online therapy plans that fit your child’s unique needs. No one is ever too young or too old to learn through play keep exploring, keep connecting, and keep growing together with us!
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