Play-based learning is a fundamental approach in speech therapy that leverages children's natural inclination towards play to foster speech and language development. Unlike traditional methods, which may rely heavily on structured exercises, play-based learning integrates therapeutic goals into interactive and enjoyable activities. This approach recognizes that children learn best when they are actively engaged and motivated.

In this blog post, the author shares their love for using a dollhouse in play-based speech therapy with preschoolers and kindergartners. They highlight the versatility of this activity, explaining how it can be used to target various goals. They provide examples such as practicing categories, pronouns, verbs, nouns, expanding MLU, prepositions, requesting, turn-taking, following directions, articulation, and social skills. The dollhouse provides a natural and fluid way to address these skills, making it suitable for mixed groups. The author emphasizes the functional and interactive nature of using a dollhouse in therapy and the potential for engaging and effective sessions.

Sometimes, when kids are feeling unmotivated or restless during speech therapy, it's important to get creative. Taking inspiration from a trick used at a daycare, I introduced baby wipes as a fun and attention-grabbing tool. The kids loved "cleaning" the play food with the wipes, which not only kept them engaged but also targeted various language and speech goals. The smiles on their faces and the success of the activity made it all worthwhile, plus the added perk of shiny and new-looking play food.