Visuals That Actually Work in Preschool Speech Therapy

If you’ve ever had a preschool session go off the rails because your student suddenly needed to see what was inside your desk drawer or decided the pom poms were confetti—welcome to the club.

Preschoolers are curious, busy, and wonderfully unpredictable. That’s what makes this age group so much fun… and sometimes a little exhausting. One thing that completely changed my sessions? Visuals that actually work.

When I first started working with preschoolers, I had 1000 laminated visuals - so many, in fact, that I could’ve wallpapered my therapy room. But half the time, I forgot where I put them or didn’t have the right one ready in the moment. The result: I was talking about expectations more than I was practicing them.

How I Started Using Behavior Visuals for Preschool Speech Therapy Success

One day during a particularly wiggly session, I grabbed a “Working For” board from a pile I’d made for a classroom consult. We stuck a few tiny stickers on it and—magic. My student focused. He wanted to earn that sticker. Suddenly, he knew exactly what we were doing and what came next.

That’s when it clicked: visuals aren’t just for them—they’re for us, too. They help us stay consistent, calm, and clear.

If you’ve been searching for preschool behavior supports for SLPs that truly make a difference, start here.

My Favorite Behavior Visuals for Preschool Speech Therapy Sessions

After a few years (and a lot of trial and error), I streamlined my visuals to a small, easy-to-grab set. Here are the behavior visuals for preschool speech therapy that never leave my side:

Break Cards

Teach kids how to request a break before they melt down. I use a simple “I need a break” card and model how to show it. Over time, they learn to use it independently - which builds communication and self-regulation.

Whole Body Listening Cards

Preschoolers love these because they turn expectations into a game. We point to each part of the body and decide if it’s “listening.” (“Are your feet quiet? Is your mouth listening?”)

Volume Monitoring Cards

These visuals save me during group play. Together, we decide if our voices are “too loud,” “just right,” or “quiet.” Kids love taking ownership of the sound level, especially when they get to “be the sound monitor.”

 Self-Rating Scales

These are perfect for emotional check-ins. Kids use faces or colors to show how they’re feeling. It gives me a quick read on whether they’re calm, silly, tired, or frustrated-and helps guide my approach.

All of these visuals have one goal: helping kids see what’s expected so they can feel successful doing it.

How to Pair Language Visuals and Behavior Visuals for Preschool SLP Success

Here’s where the magic really happens - pairing behavior visuals with language visuals.

When children understand what’s being asked and can see what’s next, they feel safe, calm, and confident. For example:

• Use WH-question visuals alongside your behavior supports to show what’s happening and why.

• Add visuals for following directions (first/then boards, sequencing strips, simple icons) so transitions are clear.

• Use visual supports for Apraxia or phonological therapy while keeping behavior visuals nearby—kids thrive on predictability and structure.

 Important Note: Behavior visuals should never be used as a compliance-based tool or a reward system that pressures children into participation. The goal isn’t to control behavior- it’s to support communication and regulation.

That said, there is a time and place for visuals that help students understand routines, transitions, and expectations. When used thoughtfully, visuals empower children to take ownership of their actions in a safe, predictable way.

Easy Organization Hacks for Managing Visual Supports in Preschool Therapy

If you’re juggling 20 students, five themed centers, and endless data sheets, here’s my secret: print visuals four-to-a-page and pop them into a small 4x6 task box.

I also share full-page copies with teachers or parents for carryover. When students see the same visuals at home and school, expectations stay consistent (and behaviors improve faster).

Research-Backed Benefits

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), visual supports are evidence-based tools that “promote communication, comprehension, and independence for children with developmental delays.”  Source: ASHA on Visual Supports and Communication 

Visuals help children predict routines, understand abstract concepts, and participate more fully in learning activities. In preschool speech therapy, this predictability reduces anxiety and increases engagement—a win for both SLPs and students.

FAQ: Behavior Visuals for Preschool Speech Therapy

Q: Do I use all the visuals at once?
Nope! Use as many as you need and each student will benefit from different ones! Once students are familiar, rotate new ones as needed to keep things fresh and meaningful.

Q: What if the student doesn’t respond right away?
Totally normal! Like any strategy, visuals take time and consistency. Model them yourself—show what “asking for a break” or “quiet hands” looks like.

Q: Can I send visuals home for practice?
Absolutely! I always send a small pack to families so kids see the same supports in both settings. It builds carryover and consistency between home and therapy.

Q: What’s the best way to store visuals?
Use a ring binder or task box, and label categories clearly. Keep a mini set on your lanyard for push-in sessions—instant access wherever you go.

Q: Are visuals only for behavior?
Not at all. They can cue language, articulation, routines, and transitions. The more predictable the session, the more confident and communicative kids become.

Using visuals has simplified my sessions and helped my students thrive  -not because I’m managing behavior, but because I’m making communication clear, predictable, and empowering.

If you’re ready to make your sessions calmer and more connected, check out the HUGE Preschool Speech Therapy Behavior and Language Visuals set. It’s the easiest way to start using visuals that actually work.