5 Ways to Get More Articulation Trials

Getting enough repetitions in articulation therapy is essential for progress, but keeping kids engaged can be a challenge. The key? Turning practice into play! When therapy feels like a game, kids stay motivated and excited to participate. Here are five fun and simple ways to sneak in more repetitions:

1. Dice: I always keep a pair of dice in my speech bag or on the table during in-clinic sessions. Kids love rolling dice! Have them say their target word as many times as the number they roll. 

2. Memory: Play a game of Memory. Every time a child flips a card, they say the word on it. The continuous flipping keeps the pace moving, and before they know it, they’ve said their target words multiple times—all while having fun.

3. Spinner Games: Any board game with a number spinner (e.g. Chutes and Ladders) can double as articulation practice. When kids spin, they say their word as many times as the number they land on. It’s an effortless way to build repetitions into an already fun activity.

4. Go Fish: Play a game of Go Fish! This is an easy way to practice words at sentence level too since each turn they will have to ask “Do you have a ___” on each turn. Use cards that contain the sound they are targeting and you will have plenty of repetitions before the game is over! 

5. Fill the Jar with Pom-Poms: Grab some craft pom-poms (or marbles) and a jar. Every time a child says their word correctly, they drop a pom-pom into the jar. The goal? Fill it up by the end of the session! 

Author: Danica Federe M.S., CCC-SLP, CLC