Social Emotional Learning | SEL | Social Awareness | Feelings

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) incorporate games as an essential component of therapy, using them to enhance learning through play.

Building Rapport and Overcoming Unfamiliarity: Establishing a connection with the child is crucial at the beginning of therapy, especially when there may be initial hesitancy due to unfamiliarity with the SLP. Playing games proves to be an effective way to ease this hesitation, fostering a sense of fun and laughter.

Sense of Accomplishment: Games provide children with a platform to experience success during therapy. Through errorless learning, children can feel a sense of control, particularly when they take on the role of teaching the SLP how to play. This dynamic encourages confidence and active participation.

Addressing Challenges: Confronting speech or language difficulties can be daunting for children who fear making mistakes. Games contribute to creating a positive balance by infusing an element of enjoyment into the learning process.

Beyond Therapy Goals: Games offer an avenue for additional learning beyond the specific therapy goals, encompassing social skills and turn-taking, contributing to holistic development.

Enhancing Motor Skills: Many games involve the manipulation of small pieces, providing the additional benefit of practicing fine motor skills while engaging in enjoyable activities.