App Review: PlayHome Apps for SLPs
Finding apps that are effective in encouraging language can be a challenge. Enter the PlayHome apps, a suite of interactive digital games that have captured my heart! The PlayHome suite offers a variety of apps, each with its own distinct environment and set of activities.
PlayHome App Suite
My PlayHome is the flagship app, offering a detailed virtual house where children can interact with everyday objects and people. From cooking in the kitchen to watching TV in the living room, this app allows for endless scenarios that can be used to practice language skills. Tons of daily vocabulary can be easily targeted with this app.
My PlayHome Stores takes children on a shopping adventure. Here, they can navigate through different stores, selecting items and engaging in pretend play that mimics real-world experiences. This app is particularly useful for teaching vocabulary related to shopping and money handling.
My PlayHome School transports users to a school setting, complete with classrooms, a cafeteria, and a playground. It's an excellent tool for preparing children for school routines and helping them become familiar with the school environment.
My PlayHome Hospital introduces medical vocabulary and scenarios, allowing children to role-play doctor and patient interactions. This app is invaluable for children who may be anxious about visiting the doctor, as it helps demystify the experience through play.
Key Features That Benefit SLPs
One of the standout features of the PlayHome apps is their ability to engage children through interactive play. The apps are designed to be open-ended, allowing children to explore and interact with the environment in a way that feels natural and unstructured. This level of engagement is crucial for speech therapy, where capturing a child's attention can sometimes be half the battle. It’s almost like playing with a virtual dollhouse, where you can build your scenario.
The opportunities for language development within the PlayHome apps are extensive. Whether it's expanding vocabulary, practicing sentence structure, or encouraging social communication, the apps provide a rich platform for developing these skills. The interactive nature of the apps encourages children to use language in context, making the learning experience both meaningful and memorable.
Real-World Application in Speech Therapy
I have been integrating PlayHome apps into therapy sessions with great success. Some children who are typically resistant to traditional therapy methods often respond enthusiastically to the interactive nature of these apps.
Incorporating PlayHome into therapy sessions can be as simple or as complex as needed. SLPs might use the apps to model appropriate language during play, or they might encourage children to direct the play themselves, providing prompts and support as needed. The flexibility of these apps allows them to be used for a wide range of goals, from improving articulation to narrative storytelling to role-playing with social skills.
PlayHome apps are particularly useful when working with children who have diverse needs. Whether the focus is on articulation, social communication, or language comprehension, the apps can be adapted to suit the individual goals of each child depending on how you, the clinician, choose to use them! For instance, some children benefit from the structured yet flexible nature of the apps, which allow them to explore social scenarios at their own pace.
Limitations and Considerations
While PlayHome apps offer numerous benefits, there are some limitations to consider. The apps are designed for younger children, so older students may not find them as engaging. Additionally, in group therapy settings, it can be challenging to ensure that all children are equally engaged, as the apps are often more suited to individual play.
Another consideration is the cost and accessibility of the apps. While they are reasonably priced, the cost can add up if multiple apps from the suite are purchased. Additionally, not all families may have access to the devices needed to use the apps at home, which could limit their use outside of therapy sessions.
So, in conclusion…
In summary, PlayHome apps offer a unique and engaging way for SLPs to enhance their therapy sessions. The combination of interactive play, customizable settings, and rich language development opportunities makes these apps a valuable addition to any SLP's toolkit. While there are some limitations, particularly regarding age appropriateness and group settings, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. For SLPs looking to integrate technology into their practice in a meaningful way, PlayHome apps are certainly worth considering.
