While SLPs are always prepared with lesson plans to help students develop and improve their speech, those same students wanting to participate and engage can be a different matter. If you find yourself seeking new and exciting ways to captivate your students during speech therapy sessions, you are not alone.

Use the following five fun strategies from Spotter Staffing to make your sessions not only effective but also enjoyable for your students!

1.      Add More Games and Activities

If you turn speech therapy into playtime, your chance of student participation is much higher! Use games and activities that are not only entertaining but also focus on improving communication skills. Board games, interactive apps, and role-playing scenarios are awesome tools to engage students while addressing their speech goals. The element of fun helps create a positive and supportive atmosphere for students to improve speech skills.

2.      Use Technology to Your Advantage

Leverage the power of technology to make learning more interactive. Incorporate speech therapy apps and online resources that are both educational and entertaining in your classroom. Interactive platforms can make speech practice feel like a game, encouraging students to participate actively. Be sure to explore the latest apps that align with your curriculum, and cater to the different learning styles your students have.

3.      Themed Days or Sessions

Spice up your speech therapy sessions by introducing themed activities. Whether it’s a classroom-favorite book, a movie, or a seasonal event, align your sessions with themes that resonate with your students. This approach not only keeps things interesting but also allows you to tailor activities to the individual interests of your students, making the learning experience more personal and engaging. This also gives you to have some creative expression beyond traditional lessons, while still being appropriate for your classroom.

4.      Collaborate with Teachers

Foster collaboration with classroom teachers in your school(s) to seamlessly integrate speech therapy into the overall curriculum. By coordinating efforts, you can reinforce speech goals in the context of classroom activities and school events. This not only enhances the learning experience for your students but also helps them see the relevance of speech therapy in their daily lives.

5.      Reward Systems and Positive Reinforcement

Implement a reward system to motivate and celebrate your students’ progress. Positive reinforcement, such as praise, stickers, or a token system, can create a sense of accomplishment and encourage them to participate. Tailor the rewards to suit the preferences of individual students, classrooms or age ranges to make the experience more personalized and enjoyable.

Being a speech-language pathologist in a school setting is not just about achieving speech goals; it’s about creating an environment where students feel excited and motivated to participate. By incorporating these five strategies into your sessions, you’ll not only see improved speech outcomes but also witness the joy and enthusiasm your students bring to each session.

Ready for a Better SLP Career?

Spotter Staffing is hiring for SLPs in Chicago and Dallas-Fort Worth right now! If you’re looking for a position that is fulfilling, meaningful and rewarding (with great pay and benefits, too!) check out our openings online or click here to talk to a recruiter today!