Traditional kids’ games that encourage speech and language!
Remember those classic games you played as a kid? There’s a reason why we (SLPs) love them so much! Not only are they fun for kids, but they also provide a ton of opportunities to use new words and language skills! We’ve highlighted some of our favorite “people” games and ways to use them to encourage speech and language development.
“Follow the Leader”
How to play?
One person is the “leader” or first in line, and all other players line up behind them. The leader gets to choose an action like walking, marching, jumping, skipping, etc., and everyone in line gets to copy the leader! Sounds simple, right? It is SO easy! Kids LOVE this game, especially when it’s their turn to be the leader! Follow the Leder can easily be modified for all skill levels! For example, if the “leader” is really young, simply copy ANY movements they do! Soon they will realize you are mirroring them and have fun with it!
How does this help encourage speech/language?
Turn-taking: each child gets a turn to be the “leader,” which encourages social interactions that are important for communication development!
Imitation: those following the leader have to imitate the movements of the leader! Imitation is an important pre-language skill and crucial to language development (including those first words)!
Language: Have the leader announce the new movement every time they change to encourage new words!
Gestures: gestures (such as waving, pointing, and clapping) can easily be incorporated into this game! Since the development of gestures usually proceeds first words, we love any opportunity to practice them.
“I Spy”
How to play?
One person is thinking of an object that everyone can see in the room, and the other person guesses the object! The best part of the game is that you can keep the game very simple for little ones as young as 2 or more advanced for older kids! Variations of the game include: giving descriptive clues about the object, sharing what letter the object begins with, or asking yes/no questions about the object.
How does this help encourage speech/language?
Turn-taking: each child gets a turn to think of an object which helps others learn to wait for their turn
Vocabulary: children can learn new adjectives and nouns when giving clues, which is so important for language development
Receptive language: understanding the clues and putting it all together to come up with the object is great for reasoning skills and comprehension.
“Simon Says…”
How to play?
Simon Says is another great game to encourage following directions, turn-taking, and listening skills. One person is the leader, “Simon,” and instructs the others playing what specific movements to follow. For example, Simon may say, “Simon says touch your nose,” or “Simon says to say hello!” After each command, the others follow the directions as stated, until Simon does not use the phrase, “Simon says…” and states the direction, like, “Touch your nose!” Those players that follow that direction without the phrase, “Simon says…” are eliminated from the game, or you can choose to switch roles at that point in the game!
How does this help encourage speech/language?
Following directions: following simple directions is an important skill for everyday functioning
Listening skills: focusing on and listening to what others are saying helps with attention and receptive language.
Leadership: learning to be the leader helps with social skills and becoming confident around others
Attention: not only does the “Simon” need to pay attention to everyone playing, but the players need to carefully attend as well! Attention is a big part of language development, as it is required for almost all interactions we have!
“Hide and Seek”
How to play?
Hide and Seek is a classic that you likely played as a child! Everyone finds a hiding place while one person is the Seeker. The Seeker can count to 10 or 20 and then looks for those who are hiding. Simple, right?! But, this game is SO fun for children and offers a TON of great speech and language opportunities. Did we mention parents can hide and maybe get a few minutes of peace and quiet while your little one is looking for you? :)
How does this help encourage speech/language?
Counting: Learning numbers and counting is an important early skill that translates to so many areas throughout a little one’s day
Variations: adapt this game for little ones to practice object permanence (the idea that things exist even when you can’t see them!) and to work on names (“where’s mama?” “here I am!?”) Similar to peek-a-boo, you can hide behind a door or couch, and pop out for lots of fun for your little one
Imagination: children have to use their imaginative skills in order to figure out a good hiding space and where others might be hiding!
“Freeze Tag”
How to play?
The rules are simple! One person is “it." Whenever they tag someone (or roll a ball that touches them), that person has to FREEZE! The person that freezes them yells, “Freeze!” Other players have to then high-five or tap that person to un-freeze them.
How does this help encourage speech/language?
Vocabulary: Vocabulary is important for all areas of language development! The great thing about freeze tag is that you can use any word you want to practice! Examples are simple words like stop and go or more advanced words like capture and escape!
Variations: There are many variations for freeze tag! As mentioned above, you can tag with your hand, a magic wand, or even by kicking a ball.
Imitation: New players in this game will quickly learn by copying the actions and words of others!
Calling out: What is fun about freeze tag is that when you get tagged, you need to let other players know that you need help! This is your chance to focus on specific words or names! Do players need to say a word such as, “help,’ to let others know?
🌟 Try new versions of classic games that help children learn vocabulary and associations or categories. Change the game to fit fun themes like animals, vehicles, or princesses! Instead of "Duck, Duck, Goose," children can pick a fun word that they choose, such as "Truck, truck, car!" or "Elsa, Elsa, Anna!" If your little one doesn't have other children to play with, bring out the stuffed animals, toys, and characters and make them part of the game! Little ones have big imaginations and will surprise you with the fun games they come up with!
What are some of your little one’s favorite games? Let us know in the comments!