Part 1 of our Summer Gamers with Speech Therapy was such a success, that we are proud to roll out Part 2 in the series!
Oftentimes, the thrills of summer can overshadow an underlying issue: an interruption is supportive services for Speech-Language Pathology, and the anxiety experienced by parents as a result.
At Abington Speech Pathology, we know these anxieties all too well. It is our hope that these fun “DIY” style games can help to keep your child on track!
Much like part 1 of our series, all you will need is a printer, scissors, and common household items. We have also included a few options for digital games, for which all you will need is a tablet, phone or laptop and the time to enjoy!
CLICK HERE to PLAY – The Stars Game
1. The Stars Game
Description:
This game provides practice for pronunciation, along with practice for word definitions and word comprehension.
What it includes:
This game includes 18 pages, for a total of 18 different 1-sheet games!
How to Prepare:
Simply print out the document on regular paper or cardstock.
How to Play:
In this game, each sheet represents one game that focuses on words with common sounds for pronunciation. Each page has a total of 5 columns, with star shapes as the header. There are five columns below each star. For each word on the sheet, the child will (1) pronounce the word, (2) provide a definition and (3) use the word in a sentence. Once these three tasks have been completed successfully for the word, the child can cross the word off with an “X.” Once all words have been completed in the column, the child will then color in the start at the top of the column. When all of the letters in “S-T-A-R-S” is colored in, the game is won! Adjust the rules, so that they are age-appropriate for your child, and offer a “Prize” once all starts have been colored in.
CLICK HERE to PLAY – Story Place
2. Story Place
Description:
An online, interactive series of storybooks that assist with pronunciation.
What it includes:
A series of interactive digital stories, to navigate through with interactive features on each page.
How to Prepare:
Simply settle in with your child and a tablet or laptop computer.
How to Play:
Select a story from the menu of scrolling circular icons just below the title and description of the page. When the storyboard appears, read through the sentence that is at the bottom of the screen. Before navigating to the next page, pronounce the keywords by hovering over them on the page. For stories that do not have sentence descriptions, have your child pronounce words illustrated on the screen.
CLICK HERE to PLAY – Articulation Games
3. Articulation Games (by Tracy Gefroh Boyd)
Description:
This is a great site where children plan a variety of games to practice r’s, s’s, l’s, sh’s and ch’s. In this section, all games are digital with options for word search, flashcards, matching, and concentration.
How to Play:
Select your preferred category, and guide your child through each game.
CLICK HERE to PLAY – Tongue Twister Database
4. The Tongue Twister Database
Description:
A fun collection of tongue twisters to practice speech sounds and giggle at the same time!
How to Play:
Do you like practicing your English pronunciation? Have fun saying tongue twisters in English. Saying tongue twisters can be difficult at first, so don’t worry if you can’t do it very well to begin with. Just keep practicing and have fun! The site includes an extensive selection of fun tongue-twisters, categorized by letter. Just navigate through the alphabet toggle menu, just below the title and description of the page.
![](https://www.abingtonspeech.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/visual-strategies-300x300-1.png")
CLICK HERE to PLAY – Visual Strategies
5. Visual Strategies Picture Schedules
Description:
Make the use of the schedule system a reinforcing experience! Your child will be more inclined to want to begin to complete a schedule that has rewarding and desired outcomes at the end of tasks that are less desired.
What it includes:
Print the PDF game out one regular printer paper or cardstock. The first pages serve as the board of the game. The pages at the end of the document must be cut out into cards to use for their corresponding board.
How to Prepare:
If your child is not familiar with schedules, the ideas of the schedule may need to be taught to them in a gradual manner. It is often best to start with the two-step of schedules and then work towards more schedule cards being displayed. Point to the pictures as you display them to the person, and tell them what they represent as you assist them with the routine. For example, you may say: “FIRST we are going to wash up, THEN we can watch some TV.” This helps convey the ideas that they will be able to watch T.V., but that washing up does happen first. Anxiety is reduced as they realize they will eventually get to their desired activity (watching T.V.) after they go through the part they may not have been interested in performing (washing up). Like most new concepts, the ideas of a picture schedule do have to be taught, and the effectiveness of it should increase over time.
How to Play:
It is a good idea to begin with more pleasant activities in a schedule so that the individual sees it as something in which they are wanting to participate. For example perhaps use two desired items such as FIRST: “Fruit”, THEN: “Game”. As the idea of following the picture schedule become better understood, other ‘less desired’ daily routines can be added to the first location. For beginning users, it might be helpful to bring the schedule cards to the events they represent. For example, you may take the “Art” card with you and the students the first few times they go to Art Class.
More schedule picture items can be added in the sequence after the person understands the two-picture symbol display. Eventually, a series of schedule pictures can be displayed working in more concepts of the daily routine that may not be as highly desired. An example of a longer schedule might be: “Wash Up”, “Dinner”, “Dish Washer”, “Cookies”, “Work Sheets”, “T.V.”, “Toothbrush” and “Bed”. Having the most desired part of the routine placed in a special spot on a longer schedule can help the user understand what they are working towards overall.
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If you believe that you or your child would benefit from a formal screening from licensed, Speech-Language Pathologist, click here to schedule a complimentary assessment by one of our licensed partners.
