Speech therapy in preschool is essential for addressing early communication challenges and ensuring children develop proper language skills. Early intervention can prevent more serious issues later and help kids meet developmental milestones effectively (Center for Disease Control and Prevention). In this article, you’ll learn about the signs that suggest a preschooler may need speech therapy, how to initiate it, and some engaging activities that make therapy enjoyable and effective.

Key takeaways

• Early intervention in speech therapy, ideally by age three, can prevent serious communication issues and help preschoolers meet developmental milestones (Center for Disease Control and Prevention).
• Engaging activities, such as movement-based play and sensory play, are crucial for maintaining preschoolers’ interest and enhancing speech and language skills during therapy sessions (Primary Beginnings).
• Collaboration between parents and speech-language pathologists is essential for setting tailored goals, monitoring progress, and ensuring effective home practice to support speech therapy (National Institutes of Health).
• When looking for home care based speech therapy for your child, consult Coral Care - the premier in-home pediatric care designed to be accessible for families.  

Initiating speech therapy for preschoolers

Beginning speech therapy early for your child can prevent more serious communication issues later on. Early intervention makes children more receptive to learning new skills, which is crucial to help them meet developmental milestones more easily. While there is no “right time” to get help for your child, typically the best time to start speech therapy is within the first eight years, beginning as early as a few months old (Center for Disease Control and Prevention). Speech therapy has shown effectiveness for all ages with speech and language delays, emphasizing the need for timely intervention (National Institutes of Health).

One of the most important initial steps when starting speech therapy for your child is familiarizing the child with the routine and the therapist. A child feeling comfortable and safe in an environment yields much better results than if they are hesitant (Thomas B. Fordham Institute). Typically, speech therapy in a school setting begins once the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is finalized, outlining tailored goals and strategies for the child’s speech and language development. Each school is different, but typically you would work with teachers, counselors, or school health professionals to begin crafting an IEP (ARK Therapeutic). 

Specific speech therapy challenges in preschool

Children with speech and language delays may struggle with social communication, understanding language, and expressing their needs and thoughts, which can sometimes lead to moments of frustration and periods of dysregulation. Speech therapy can significantly enhance a child’s communication skills, including articulation, making it easier for others to understand them - therefore helping with emotional regulation(Everyday Speech).

Specific speech challenges, such as stuttering and apraxia of speech, require targeted interventions. Stuttering involves interruptions in the flow of speech, while apraxia affects the ability to produce speech sounds accurately due to difficulties with motor planning. Addressing these challenges through tailored speech therapy sessions can improve a child’s communication abilities and overall confidence (American Speech-Language Hearing Association).

Articulation skills

Articulation refers to how sounds and words are pronounced, which is crucial for effective communication. Improved articulation helps children be understood better, facilitating their academic engagement and interactions at home. When articulation skills are still developing,  a child’s speech may be hard for others to understand(American Speech-Language Hearing Association).

For some children, articulation challenges are related to a motor planning difficulty called Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). CAS affects a child’s ability to plan and sequence the movements needed for speech, making it difficult for them to produce sounds accurately and consistently. A common therapeutic approach for CAS is the PROMPT technique (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets), which uses gentle physical cues on the face and under the chin to guide a child’s movements. This tactile feedback helps the child learn how to position their mouth, lips, and jaw to form sounds correctly. Combined with repetitive practice, PROMPT can support clearer and more coordinated speech.

Activities like using speech sound mouth cards and minimal pairs worksheets can target various phonological processes, helping children improve their pronunciation. Storytelling with select stories featuring challenging sounds can also enhance articulation skills. These methods make speech practice engaging and effective (Phonics in Motion).

Expressive language

Expressive language disorders in children can manifest as difficulty in using words and sentences to convey thoughts and ideas. Children may struggle with vocabulary, forming complete sentences, or using appropriate grammar, leading to frustration when trying to communicate. Speech therapy can significantly improve these skills by providing targeted exercises that enhance vocabulary, sentence structure, and overall expressive abilities. Through interactive activities, games, and tailored strategies, speech therapists help children build confidence and improve their communication skills, fostering better interactions with peers and adults (Theracare Pediatric Services).

Receptive language

Receptive language difficulties in children can present as challenges in understanding and processing spoken language. Children with receptive language delays may struggle to follow instructions, comprehend questions, or grasp the meaning of words and phrases used in daily routines. These challenges can lead to confusion and may impact a child’s ability to fully engage in activities and interact effectively with others. Speech therapy provides targeted support for receptive language through exercises that build listening skills, comprehension, and the ability to follow multi-step directions.

Through interactive games, story-based activities, and strategies tailored to each child’s needs, speech therapists help children strengthen their understanding of language. This improvement in receptive language skills not only enhances their ability to participate in daily routines and group activities but also builds a foundation for more confident interactions at home, in school, and with peers.

Social skills development

Speech therapy also supports the development of social communication skills, helping to ease the frustration that can occur when children and their families experience communication breakdowns. By working on turn-taking, play, and conversation skills, therapy fosters a child’s ability to engage in social interactions and understand social cues. These skills are essential for building relationships and navigating group settings, such as preschool.

Play is another important element of social skill development. Through activities like symbolic play—pretending to feed a doll or playing “store”—children learn to communicate, take on different perspectives, and practice social interactions in a natural way. By building these play skills, children can connect more meaningfully with their peers and use language in ways that reflect real-life situations. Play-based activities in therapy can also encourage social connection and strengthen early friendships.

In speech therapy, play-based activities are often incorporated to help children develop these skills. Whether through structured activities, pretend scenarios, or music and rhythm-based games, play in therapy supports social and communication growth in a natural, engaging way. By engaging in speech therapy, children develop the social skills needed to interact effectively with others, making it easier for them to navigate social situations and build meaningful relationships (National Institutes of Health).

Identifying speech and language issues

The best way to help your child is by getting them care, so early identification of speech and language issues is key to effective intervention. Signs of delays in preschoolers include challenges with receptive and expressive language. Expressive language difficulties might look like trouble with speaking in sentences, storytelling, and participating in conversations. Children might also struggle with articulation, making it difficult for others to understand them. Receptive language challenges, on the other hand, can include difficulty understanding directions, answering questions, or following routines. While every child is different, a good milestone to watch out for is consistent development. For example, a four-year-old who isn’t talking or isn’t talking much may need a speech therapy evaluation. In addition, tracking other developmental milestones like clear pronunciation and understanding multi-step directions helps assess a child’s speech and language development. Monitoring these markers helps parents and educators decide when to seek professional help, ensuring timely intervention (Healthline).

Consulting with a speech-language pathologist

It can be intimidating to ask for help, but it is crucial for parents who are worried about their preschooler’s speech and language development to consult their pediatrician for a referral. It is also important to consider expedited home care: consult Coral Care if you live in Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, or Texas to see if this option is right for your family.

In addition, if parents wish to request information from the speech therapy department at their child’s school, they should submit a written request and keep a time-stamped copy or use certified mail with a return receipt (U.S. Department of Education). By doing this, you can keep track of the timeline for your child’s care - whether it be private care or through their school. If seeking a speech pathologist through the school district, schools must evaluate children and provide the necessary services identified during the evaluation under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Once the paperwork is completed, the evaluation process typically includes formal tests, play, conversation, and academic tasks conducted by a speech therapist from the child’s school district (Pearson Assessments). Schools must respond to evaluation requests within 15 days and schedule initial IEP meetings within 60 days. Knowing these procedures helps parents effectively navigate the system and advocate for their child’s needs (U.S. Department of Education). Identifying this need is especially crucial for children who may benefit from both IEP and additional care.

Engaging activities for preschool speech therapy

Speech therapy may seem daunting to many parents - it’s hard to keep children engaged, so how do you know speech therapy will be worth all the time and effort? Skilled therapists use engaging activities that are crucial for keeping a preschooler’s interest and participation in speech therapy. Fun and interactive methods like games can greatly enhance a child’s engagement and motivation during sessions. In addition, specialized techniques in these activities can effectively improve speech and language skills, making learning enjoyable and productive (Kutest Kids Early Intervention).

Movement activities, sensory play, and interactive tasks are also highly effective for engaging preschoolers. Activities like Seasons Language Scenes and sensory bins can target multiple language goals, offering a comprehensive approach to development. Integrating these methods allows therapists to create a dynamic and stimulating environment for children (Kutest Kids Early Intervention).

Movement-based activities

One of the many sub-categories of engaging speech therapy for preschoolers is movement-based activities. Movement-based activities enhance engagement and are linked to improved academic performance, because keeping preschoolers moving during therapy caters to their high activity levels and helps maintain attention. Simple activities like playing Simon says with two-step directions enhance comprehension and make learning fun (Speech Improvement Center).

Incorporating movement activities in therapy keeps children engaged and links physical activity to improved speech and language development. These activities offer a holistic approach to therapy, combining physical and cognitive development (Speech Improvement Center).

Sensory play ideas

Sensory play is a powerful tool in speech therapy as well, because it helps enhance speech, language, and fine motor skills. Activities, such as using Theraputty to hide mini objects for children to find, can be both engaging and educational. Sensory bins with materials like rice, beans, or sand offer a rich environment for exploration and description, promoting vocabulary and language development (Speech Improvement Center).

Playdough is another great sensory activity. Children can smash play dough on a target word, making learning interactive and fun. These activities leverage the child’s natural curiosity and playfulness, turning therapy sessions into enjoyable learning experiences. Sensory play truly highlights that learning should be fun (Speech Improvement Center). 

Music and songs

Music engages more brain areas than language alone, making it a powerful tool in speech therapy. Songs encourage sentence formation by pausing and asking the child to fill in the blanks. This method helps develop comprehension and word combination skills (HappyNeuronPro.com).

In preschool classrooms, music can be used for greetings, farewells, instructions, transitions, or circle time. Because of the integration of music in curriculum, it is crucial for preschoolers struggling with speech to have a focus on language comprehension within music. Platforms like YouTube offer a variety of engaging and educational songs to incorporate into therapy, as well as to play at home to help strengthen the work done in therapy (HappyNeuronPro.com).

Tools and techniques for speech therapy sessions

As we discussed earlier, activity-based speech therapy has been found to be highly effective when treating preschoolers. Therapists tend to use specialized strategies to keep a child’s attention, ensuring they remain focused and productive.

Whether it be using straightforward language, age-appropriate vocabulary during conversations, or board games - all of these methods significantly aids a child’s language development. Techniques in speech therapy are chosen based on the specific skills needing improvement, ensuring a tailored approach. We dive into some of the most popular techniques below (American Speech-Language Hearing Association).

Visual aids and schedules

Visual aids and schedules are used in speech therapy to help children follow directions and understand routines (National Council for Special Education). By modeling three-word phrases during play and daily routines, children are encouraged to expand their language use. Using longer phrases during playtime helps them practice and learn more complex language structures (Medium.com).

Schedules and visual aids offer a clear and consistent structure, making it easier for children to understand and follow directions. Visual schedules, in particular, help children anticipate what comes next, reducing anxiety and improving participation in therapy sessions (National Council for Special Education).

Board games and toys

Board games and toys are another great resource for speech therapy, offering a fun and interactive way to practice language skills. Games like Chutes and Ladders and CandyLand are engaging and easy to play, making them ideal for preschool speech therapy. These games support speech and language development by keeping children motivated and facilitating specialized techniques (Daily Cup of Speech).

A key strategy for using board games in therapy is to practice a target word before taking a turn, enhancing articulation skills. This approach makes learning more enjoyable and helps children associate positive experiences with speech therapy sessions (Better Speech).

Picture books and storytelling

Picture books and storytelling are valuable tools in speech therapy, fostering language development through engaging narratives. Interactive books that encourage participation can significantly enhance learning. These books are particularly effective in early intervention speech therapy, offering a rich source of vocabulary and language structures (Speech Room News).

Storytelling can target specific sounds or language goals, making it a versatile and enjoyable method for speech therapy. Selecting stories that feature challenging sounds helps children improve articulation while also enhancing their love for reading and imaginative thinking (Speech Room News).

Home practice strategies for parents

Home practice is crucial for successful speech therapy. Sensory play at home can enhance fine motor skills along with speech and language development, making it a valuable addition to routines. Routine daily activities provide practical opportunities for children to practice speech and language skills in meaningful contexts.

Journals or logs to document new words and significant milestones can help visualize a child’s progress. Regular communication with the speech therapist ensures home practice aligns with therapy goals, providing detailed feedback for adjustments. This collaborative approach maximizes speech therapy effectiveness (National Institutes of Health).

Daily routine integration

Incorporating speech therapy activities into daily routines like bath time and snack time reinforces language skills in a natural context. For example, while cooking a meal, naming ingredients and giving multi-step directions promotes language skills. Moreover, stretching out these conversations and activities all the way to snack time helps develop the ability to ask and answer questions, enhancing conversational skills (TEIS.com).

Another example of integrating speech therapy into daily routines includes getting your child ready for school in the morning. While dressing, offer clothing choices and model sentences to increase a child’s vocabulary. Encouraging them to answer ‘Why,’ ‘What, ‘Who,’ or ‘Where’ questions during daily routines boosts expressive language skills (Cambridge Dictionary). Repetition and practice in daily routines build cognitive pathways in preschoolers’ brains, essential for language development.

Interactive play

Interactive play is vital for language development in preschoolers, fostering communication skills and encouraging expression. When selecting toys for speech therapy, focus on those that encourage cause-and-effect and sensory exploration. The best toys are engaging but not overly distracting, allowing children to concentrate on language development (American Academy of Pediatrics).

Interactive play activities like board games and role-playing provide a fun way for children to practice language skills. These activities enhance speech therapy sessions and promote social skills and cooperation.

Communication and feedback

In addition to intentional activities with your child, positive reinforcement and praise are crucial tools for encouraging children during speech therapy. Consistent praise and positive reinforcement encourage active engagement in speech therapy, making the learning process more enjoyable and effective (CST Academy).

Regular communication with the speech therapist keeps parents informed about their child’s progress and helps them provide appropriate support at home. This collaborative approach creates a supportive environment that fosters the child’s speech and language development (CST Academy).

Monitoring your child's progress

Monitoring a child’s progress in speech therapy is vital to ensure the intervention’s effectiveness. Parents play a crucial role during the speech evaluation by providing insights on their child’s communication concerns. Regular communication between caregivers and speech therapists can ensure that home practice aligns with therapy goals (Connected Speech Pathology).

Tracking progress often involves comparing standardized assessment scores over time. These assessments allow therapists to modify therapy plans to better suit the evolving needs and achievements of the child, including the basic concepts that are essential for development. Frequent evaluations ensure that the therapeutic approaches remain effective and address the child’s progress accurately (American Speech-Language Hearing Association).

Setting and reviewing speech goals with an SLP

Collaborating with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) is essential for setting effective speech goals. Involving an SLP ensures that the targets are realistic and tailored to the child’s specific needs. This collaboration helps in creating goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART), which are crucial for tracking progress and ensuring successful outcomes (University of California).

Regularly reviewing these goals with your SLP allows for adjustments based on the child’s progress and evolving needs. This ongoing process ensures that the therapy remains aligned with the child’s speech and language development, providing a clear roadmap for achieving the desired outcomes.

Regular assessments

Regular assessments in speech therapy are essential for ensuring that the therapy aligns with the child’s current needs. These assessments allow therapists to modify therapy plans to better suit the evolving needs and achievements of the child. By frequently evaluating the child’s progress, therapists can ensure that the therapeutic approaches remain effective and address the child’s progress accurately (American Speech-Language Hearing Association).

Benefits of speech therapy for preschoolers

Speech therapy significantly improves communication skills by helping children express their thoughts and feelings effectively, understand language, and engage socially. Strong vocabulary and comprehension skills are critical for preschoolers, as they predict later academic success and reading abilities. Children who receive speech therapy demonstrate enhanced academic readiness through improved language skills, aiding in reading comprehension (National Institutes of Health).

Maintaining a consistent routine in speech therapy at home supports children’s learning and helps them feel secure. Overall, speech therapy equips preschoolers with the tools they need to succeed academically and socially, laying a strong foundation for their future development.

Improved communication abilities

Speech therapy encourages preschoolers to construct sentences, which boosts their overall communication skills. By developing not only vocabulary but also the ability to speak in sentences and use appropriate grammar, children learn to express their thoughts and needs more clearly. This improvement significantly benefits their social interactions and learning.

Enhanced academic readiness

Age-appropriate vocabulary is crucial for preschoolers to predict later academic success. Speech therapy can help children reach an age-appropriate vocabulary level essential for their academic growth. In addition to vocabulary, speech therapy in preschool develops essential social skills that are vital for interaction in both social and academic settings.

Particularly important, speech therapy equips children with the language skills necessary for successful engagement (both conversing and comprehension) in classroom activities. By preparing children for the academic challenges ahead, speech therapy lays the groundwork for a successful educational journey.

Better social interactions

Developing social skills is crucial as it enables preschoolers to effectively communicate and engage with peers and adults. Engaging in interactive play, such as role-playing or group games, allows children to practice social skills in a natural context. Board games and collaborative toys encourage teamwork, turn-taking, and sharing, all of which boost social interaction skills.

By fostering these skills through speech therapy, children become more confident and capable of navigating social situations. This improvement in social interactions contributes to their overall well-being and success in both academic and personal spheres.

How to get started with speech therapy in Preschool

While it may be overwhelming to start new appointments, especially given busy school and work schedules, the easiest way to help your child is by looking into Coral Care. 

Getting started with Coral Care to find a speech-language pathologist for your preschool-aged child is the easiest way to find and book a quality provider who will travel to you! Visit the Coral Care website, share your location and your child’s specific needs, and a dedicated team member will reach out to discuss potential therapists in your area. 

Coral Care providers have an average of 13 years of experience and plenty of experience working with young children. Don’t worry about long waitlists for care, get the care you need in 2 weeks or less, with appointments made to fit your schedule. With Coral Care’s support, you can take the first step toward enhancing your child's communication skills in a nurturing environment.