What’s its function or purpose? This is the number one question I ask myself when I pick an activity or game for therapy. There is no doubt that my students enjoy playing games during speech therapy; however, I cringe when I am walking with a student back to class and their teacher asks, “what do you do during speech?” and the student responds with, “we play games.” While this is an accurate response, the student fails to relay what the function of the activity is or the main focus of the session (i.e., practicing their /s/ sounds, following directions, etc.).
Games should NOT be the main focus of the therapy session. Games should NOT take more time than the practice drills or instruction itself. Playing a game is a quick reinforcement activity to accompany your therapy lesson. Game companions are a great solution to keep students motivated, yet still allow you to accomplish your objectives.
What are game companions?
Game companions are designed to allow your students to play the game as the creator intended while practicing their speech therapy targets. By having game companion mats with language, articulation and fluency prompts, your therapy session will remain focused, functional and fun!
Questions to ask yourself when selecting a game and game companion:
- Does the game provide QUICK reinforcement?
- Will the student have an opportunity to practice several repetitions?
- Can I use the game companion for mixed groups?
Game Companions and Mixed Groups
Game companions are a great solution for mixed groups with students working on a variety of skills. I frequently use literacy as the central activity for mixed groups, but I have found that game companions are a highly reinforcing alternative. By selecting game companion mats with a variety of target skills, I can ensure that students receive proper reinforcement (by taking a turn on the game), yet still provide multiple opportunities to probe the students’ individual target skill.
Favorite Game Companions
Here are a few of my favorite game companions that I use weekly!
Articulation and Language Game Companion Spinners
These game companion spinners include articulation and language targets making them perfect for mixed groups!
Features:
- 60 pages (per game theme) with articulation and language targets
- Highly engaging for your students
- Opportunities for multiple trials/repetitions
- Perfect for mixed groups
- Print and go- no prep and low ink
Pancake Stack
These mats are designed to be used with “Pancake Pile-up.” This game is perfect for any age and can be modified for your students’ individual abilities. Instruct students to say each word 5 times to earn the corresponding pancake. Once the student has collected all the pancakes, play as directed on the game box.
Ball Bounce
These mats are designed to be used with “Bounce Off.” Instruct students to place the ball trays on the mat and proceed with play as directed on the game box. As students play, have them say the word 5 times.
I hope you enjoy using these game companions to help optimize your therapy sessions! What are your favorite games to play during your speech therapy sessions? Tell me in the comments below.
