As a speech-language therapist, I frequently incorporate child-led speech therapy sessions into my therapy practice. This strategy involves creating engaging, play-based environments where children feel free to explore while I subtly guide the interaction toward planned language development goals. By modeling language and introducing new words or phrases during play, I help children naturally acquire communication skills. This approach, supported by research, emphasizes the power of combining child-led exploration with structured objectives to foster effective learning.
What is child led Speech Therapy?
Child-led speech therapy is a flexible and engaging approach tailored to meet the unique needs of children, including those with autism or other communication challenges. In these sessions, children take the lead by selecting their preferred activities and toys, such as building blocks, Legos, sequence picture games, or storytime. This autonomy allows them to feel at ease, creating a foundation of trust and comfort with their therapist.
As a speech-language therapist, I always approach these sessions with clear goals in mind. While the child plays, I naturally incorporate words, phrases, or sentences into the activity. For example:
During block play, I might model phrases like, “Let’s stack it higher!” or “Oh no, it fell!”, or “i like train”, “lets play together” etc
In storytime, I weave in conversational prompts like, “What happens next?” or “Let’s read about this character.”
This natural conversation and goal-driven interaction allow children to practice language skills without feeling pressured to perform. By embedding structured language goals into child-led activities, the therapy becomes enjoyable and effective. The outcome? Happy, engaged children who develop communication skills while having fun, free from rigid expectations.
This approach not only encourages speech and language development but also helps children settle into the session, build confidence, and engage fully in their own unique way.
What Is Guided Play ?
Guided play is a learning method where children take the lead in activities, but an adult subtly steers the interaction toward education/therapy goals. This balance creates a space where children can explore freely while still developing essential skills like numercy, literacy,language, vocabulary, and social-emotional understanding. Unlike free play, which is entirely unstructured, or direct instruction, which is highly controlled, guided play offers a middle ground.
In speech therapy, this might involve:
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- Encouraging a child to build a tower during block play while modeling phrases like “Let’s build it higher!” or “It’s your turn now.”
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- Joining pretend play with a focus on adding vocabulary, such as naming foods while playing kitchen or describing actions during a tea party.
What Does Research Say About Child led with guidance?
Research from the University of Cambridge underscores the effectiveness of guided play in fostering various developmental skills. A study analyzing data from over 3,800 children aged three to eight revealed that guided play is as effective as, and in some cases better than, traditional instruction in developing:
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- Language skills: Playful contexts make it easier for children to understand and practice new words or sentence structures.
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- Numeracy: Math concepts are often grasped more effectively when integrated into play scenarios, such as counting objects during a game.
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- Executive functions: Skills like planning, task-switching, and problem-solving are naturally strengthened through guided play.
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- Social-emotional skills: Children gain confidence, motivation, and persistence through playful learning
Why child led Speech Therapy works
Child led with guided play succeeds because it taps into a child’s intrinsic motivation while introducing structured goals. In therapy, this translates into creating moments where language naturally fits into the child’s play.
Key reasons for its effectiveness include:
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- Engagement: Children are more likely to participate when they lead the activity and they unknowingly learn to speak words, phrases and meaningful sentences. They are not pressurized to speak a sound or word. They are just looking, listening and speaking
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- Hands-on learning: Play provides concrete experiences that make the concept of speaking, easier to understand. They will learn what to say, when and say and how to say.
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- Natural language opportunities: By integrating words and phrases into meaningful contexts, children learn in ways that feel relevant and memorable.
How play can help your child communicate
Exploring Toys for Communication Development
Here you can find my secret list of toys for your baby, which can help them in developing Speech sounds as well as language skills: However always respect choices of your child. Find something else if your child doesn’t like an animal. Play with a doll or vice versa.
Practical Tips for Using child led in Therapy and Education
- Set Clear Goals: Before starting a session, identify the language or communication skills you want to target.
- Follow the Child’s Lead: Allow children to choose activities, adapting your approach to their interests.
- Model Language: Introduce new words and phrases that fit naturally into the play scenario.
- Ask Open-Ended Questions but answer immediately if you know that child is not ready to answer your questions: Encourage critical thinking with prompts like “What happens next?” or “What should we do now?” if a child is ready to answer questions.
- Observe and Adjust: Tailor your guidance to the child’s responses, ensuring the activity remains engaging and purposeful.
Conclusion
Guided play offers a powerful framework for speech therapy and other educational practices. By combining child-led exploration with planned language goals, therapists and educators can foster both enjoyment and growth. Supported by research, this approach proves that learning through play is not only effective but essential for children’s development.
Bibliography
- Byrne, Elizabeth, et al. “Learning Through Guided Play: A Balanced Approach for Early Education.” Child Development, University of Cambridge, 2021.
- Edutopia. “The Power of Play-Based Learning in Preschool and Elementary School.” Read here.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics. “The Power of Play in Promoting Development.” Pediatrics, 2018. Available here.
- Ramchandani, Paul. “Play in Education, Development, and Learning.” PEDAL Centre, University of Cambridge