What happens during a speech session? I get asked this question a lot and really...there is no right answer. Speech therapy sessions are highly dependent on the child. We as SLPs take a lot into consideration when targeting goals.
1) The Child's Goals - this can vary from session to session whether it be working with a child focusing on early language development, a preschool student utilizing speech sounds, a school aged student learning their communication device, or a middle school student applying fluency strategies.
2) Level of participation - children can demonstrate behaviors if they struggle to communicate wants and needs. Others will sit at a table for 10-15 minutes straight to complete work. Some children need sensory breaks and many repeated opportunities. Therapists can also implement step by step visual routines to support understanding and completion of efforts.
3) Praise and Trust - The best way to help your child in therapy is support their efforts towards meeting their goals. It can be as simple as praising them for imitating a funny face you make to applying a new sound in the initial position of a word for the first time. Children will continue to attempt skills that are difficult for them when they are surrounded by encouragement from trusted adults.
4) The Child's interests - Specifically with younger children, if you don't incorporate something they like, they will definitely see it as more 'work focused' as opposed to having fun. Play during therapy sessions for early intervention and preschool are key, as it takes less time for students to connect motor plans and neurons to learn a new skill.
The best mindset as a parent to have is to be open and receptive to what your child is doing and follow their behavior. As an SLP for 7 years now, I am always willing to work with what the child wants to do if their goals can be incorporated and they are responsive to that. Really every session should allow the child to feel comfortable to attempt difficult skills in a supportive learning environment. Taking breaks or ending with preferred activities that are not goal related can be a great way to connect with a child during their session.
Flexibility is key for parents and professionals. With this mindset, you can support your child with their goals far past forcing them to sit and follow directions.
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