3 Ways to Make Speech Therapy Fun in October!

by Erika OrdonezIts October!!!! You know what that means…. CHOCOLATES! COSTUMES! JOKES! TRICK-OR-TREATING! CANDY! MMMM……What is unique about October? There are Halloween parties to attend, people to meet, decorations that turn your house into a haunted mansion, and Halloween candy is passed out almost every day. Whether you plan to go to Ala Moana or Kahala Mall for trick or treating or wander your neighborhood with the kids, there are so many fun activities in Hawaii that your kids can't say they are bored for a whole month! Not to mention what fun we can accomplish at home. There are no limits to our creativity! Halloween is a fun and perfect time to work on therapy goals with our students and children.So with such a fun month - how can you incorporate speech therapy into the holiday atmosphere?One of the great things about Halloween is testing your imagination. For example, creating creepy foods and treats can definitely be an adventure in the kitchen. You can take pictures of your child/student sequencing the steps of the activity. This provides a great way for them to talk about the pictures using their speech and language goals. Also, if you have a child who has sensory processing disorder, introducing different textures such as dipping their fingers in gooey green soup or chewing on crunchy dead cookie fingers is a great way for them to regulate their sensory system. Whether its making witch hats out of Oreo cookies or mummy hot dogs it can consists of more than two people interacting in the kitchen which also can work on social skills such being part of the group. Simply type Halloween treats/food into Google and there will be tons of awesome ideas!Halloween games and trick or treating is almost always the best thing to do in October. You can play “mummy” which consists of someone closing their eyes while holding their arms straight out and trying to touch someone. Hide and seek in the dark is scary, but fun to be hiding in creepy creative places. Our children can work on important social goals that consist of turn taking, eye contact, good sportsmanship, or initiating the game/conversation. Trick or treating can be used as a speech, language and social goal without them even knowing they are practicing. Our children can use complete sentences when requesting for a specific candy or work on articulation when they want to say “Trick or Treat smell my feet give me something good to eat” after they ring the doorbell.Finally, one of my favorite things is dressing up and going to Halloween parties. Our kids have the choice to wear any costume they want. Lets face it.. parties are cool places to be SOCIAL. Our kids have the opportunities to engage in conversations and be around other people. For instance, they can talk about their costumes, initiating a conversation, perspective taking, and topic maintenance. Take pictures of your kids and their friends or they can also practice initiating to take pictures with their friends and family. Another great idea for conversation starter are Halloween jokes. After the party you can work on memory by asking simple questions such as, who was a mummy, who did you see/meet etc.Have a great October and enjoy the delicious treats, parties and meeting new goblins. HahahaP.S.... Which Ghost is the best dancer?Answer: the Boogie Man. Check out these fun & educational Halloween Websites when you have time!Playing with Words 365Speech BuddyBoys Life