Ever Had a Speech Therapy Session Go Off the Rails? Here’s How to Fix It Fast!

We’ve all been there—you walk into a session with a well-thought-out plan, ready to engage your little learners, but within minutes, everything falls apart. Maybe the kids are wiggly, uninterested, or outright refusing to participate. Suddenly, your beautifully prepped activity is out the window, and you’re scrambling for a plan B.

Don’t worry—I’ve got you! These five quick fixes will help you turn tricky sessions around in minutes. Plus, I’ll share low-prep solutions that make implementing these strategies effortless.

1️⃣ When Kids Won’t Sit Still… Move with Them!

Some kids just aren’t meant to sit still, and that’s okay! Instead of fighting it, incorporate movement into your session. Research shows that movement can enhance learning by increasing engagement and improving attention. The key is to find ways to integrate speech and language goals into active play.

Try This:

• Floor-based play: Sit on the floor with them, using toys to encourage speech. Example: “Let’s drive the car under the bridge! Who wants to go first?”

• Scavenger hunts: Hide picture cards or objects around the room and have them search while practicing target words.

• Ball games: Toss a ball back and forth while saying words, answering questions, or practicing turn-taking.

• Obstacle courses: Set up a simple course with pillows, tunnels, or cones and incorporate speech goals along the way. Example: “Jump over the pillow and say ‘big!’”

  
  

🛟 Low-Prep Fix: My Gross Motor Movement Cards, Repetitive Storybooks, and Feed and Move Bundle offer fun, interactive ways to target speech and language goals while keeping little ones moving.

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2️⃣ When They Refuse to Join… Use the Sneaky Start Trick!

Some kids need a little extra motivation to jump into an activity. Instead of directing them to participate, try the Sneaky Start trick. This technique piques their curiosity and encourages them to join in on their own terms.

Try This:

• Dramatic play mishaps: Pretend to struggle with something and wait for them to help. Example: “Oh no! My train fell off the track! Who can fix it?”

• Drop and find: Accidentally “spill” picture cards or small toys and ask for help sorting or picking them up.

• Talk to a toy: Use a puppet or stuffed animal to invite them to play. Example: “Bear says he needs a helper! Who can help him find all the apples?”

• Start without them: Begin playing or using an activity enthusiastically without asking them to join. Example: “Wow, this puzzle is so fun! I wonder who would like to help me…”

🛟 Low-Prep Fix: My Themed Sensory Bins and Themed Critter Clinic Companions are great for drawing kids in without pressure.

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3️⃣ When Sessions Feel Chaotic… Add a Visual Routine!

Predictability helps kids feel secure, making transitions smoother and reducing resistance. A visual routine provides structure so kids know what to expect next, reducing anxiety and improving cooperation.

Try This:

• Use a simple schedule: Post a basic routine such as “Hello Song → Game → Book → Free Play” and refer to it throughout the session.

• Use first-then visuals: A simple “First ____, then ____” board can be incredibly effective. Example: “First we say 5 words, then we play with bubbles!”

• Count down transitions: Give a verbal or visual countdown before moving to the next activity. Example: “Three more turns, then we clean up!”

• Let them move the schedule: Have kids take part by removing or flipping cards as activities are completed.

You know what will work for your students! Some students benefit from visuals and some do not! Use your professional judgement!

🛟 Low-Prep Fix: My Preschool Visual Schedule includes over 140 icons representing common speech therapy activities, helping kids know what to expect next and helping with transitions!

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4️⃣ When They Say “NO!” to Everything… Offer a Choice!

If a child is resistant, giving them a choice provides a sense of control while keeping them engaged in therapy. The key is to offer two acceptable options so they feel empowered without derailing the session.

Try This:

• Choice of materials: “Do you want to use the animal puzzle or the train set today?” 🧩🚂

• Choice of how to play: “Should we say the words in a silly voice or a whisper voice?” 🤡🤫

• Choice of order: “Do you want to read the book first or play a game first?”

• Choice of turn-taking: “Do you want to go first or should I?”

🛟 Low-Prep Fix: Download my FREE Activity Choice Board for instant, ready-to-go visuals that keep kids engaged!

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5️⃣ When Nothing is Working… Follow Their Lead!

Sometimes, the best strategy is to pause, observe, and join in with whatever is naturally engaging the child. This child-led approach builds trust and increases motivation, making therapy more effective.

Try This:

• If they’re lining up cars: Narrate play while adding opportunities for interaction. Example: “You have a big car! Let’s race! Ready, set… GO!” (Targets core words, verbs, and early sentences!)

• If they’re stacking blocks: Introduce language naturally. Example: “More blocks? Up, up, up… CRASH!”(Targets requesting, prepositions, and cause-effect!)

• If they’re feeding a toy animal: Encourage choice-making and MLU expansion. Example: “Mmm! The bear is hungry! More apples or banana?”

• If they’re spinning in circles: Join in and model language. Example: “You’re spinning fast! Wheee! Let’s stop! Go again?” (Targets verbs, opposites, and turn-taking!)

Make Tricky Sessions a Thing of the Past!

With just a few simple tweaks, even the toughest therapy sessions can become fun, engaging, and effective! Whether it’s movement, choices, or following a child’s lead, these strategies will help you create a positive learning experience—without the stress.

Want even more easy, low-prep solutions? Check out my play-based therapy resources and grab your FREE Activity Choice Board today!