Stuffed Animals for Language Therapy

Did you know that stuffed animals can be used for language therapy? Many of us have stuffed animals lying around the house. Grab your child’s favorite stuffed animal and work on her language development in play.

Below are some ideas for using stuffed animals for language therapy:

• Requesting: Allow your child to request the stuffed animal, or request food and other desired items for the stuffed animal

• Answering wh-questions: Ask questions about the stuffed animal
  

• 1-2 step play routines: The basis for imaginary play is in using play routines, such as mixing pretend food and feeding the stuffed animal 
  

• Following directions: Give your child and the stuffed animal directions they can follow, like "Simon Says"
  

• Prepositions: Play dress-up and put a hat “on top” of the toy
  

• Verbs: During play, use ‘ing verbs to describe what the stuffed animal is doing
  

Readers: How do you like to play with stuffed animals at home?

About the Author: Melissa Goff, M.S, CCC-SLP, is the owner of Sunflower Speech & Myo Therapy, PLLC, in Charlotte, NC.