My role as a speech language pathologist requires me to find creative ways for children to work on their language milestones and have some fun too! It’s important to change up therapy so that it’s stimulating for my clients but also sensible for me. I find that many toys, games and products used in therapy also work for parents who are targeting language goals at home. Here are four language activities you can do with your kids using the ezpz Play Mat. 

Games: The Play Mat can be used vertically (portrait) and horizontally (landscape) as pictured here. I like to use the mat vertically when I want the task to be close to a child, especially when sitting on the floor. By using the Play Mat’s silicone surface, which naturally holds the game in place, you decrease the chance of a child accidently tipping over the toy. Game changer!

Science Experiments: Language therapy does not have to be just worksheets and books. You can also target language skills by making food recipes or science experiments. I’m having a lot of success with kids making slime, volcanoes, foam and balloon rockets! These tasks are especially great when you leave the house or classroom and work on targeting language outside.

Dry Erase Markers: I love to use dry erase markers in therapy because they are easy, cheap, low prep and are great for many creative activities. Plus, learning how to grab, hold, color and write with different sized dry erase markers is functional for the the kids!

Did you know that you can use dry erase markers on all ezpz products, including the Play Mat? Here are a few ideas:

• Visual tool: Place all of the markers in the flower section of the mat. Then write down the directions of the language activity on the 8 x 11 section of the mat; this will provide your child with a visual schedule to complete the activity. For example: 1) Color picture 2) Cut picture 3) Glue picture 4) Talk about your picture.
   
• Group Therapy: If you are working with several kiddos, use a Play Mat for each child and write their name on the top of each mat with a dry erase marker so the child knows where to sit and keep their activity organized.
  
  
• Reinforcer: In between language tasks you can use the markers on the Play Mat for a quick game of Tic-Tac-Toe or Hangman. Score!

Flashcards: Every therapist and parent uses some type of flashcard with their kids. I love using flashcards too, but they can get disorganized, thrown, bent and dirty. Using flashcards on the Play Mat decreases these issues, as they stick enough to the surface to stay still during the language activity!

Using the Play Mat for language therapy makes the activity easier, cleaner and more organized. How do you use the Play Mat at your clinic or home? What are some of your favorite language activities and games in therapy? #ezpzfun #langaugetherapy #slpeeps