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Why is my speech pathologist just playing with my child and not doing any therapy?

If you’ve ever watched your child’s speech pathology session and wondered, Why does it look like they’re just playing?, you’re not alone. Many parents expect therapy to look structured, task-focused, and "educational" in the traditional sense. However, in early intervention, the best therapy often looks a lot like play—and for good reason! Play is how children learn, connect, and grow, and it provides the perfect foundation for building communication skills.

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Let’s explore why your speech pathologist is using play and what’s actually happening behind the scenes.

Play Builds Rapport and Trust:

For therapy to be effective, your child needs to feel safe and connected with their speech pathologist. By following your child’s interests—whether it’s stacking blocks, playing with cars, or pretending to cook—the therapist is building a trusting relationship. This rapport is the foundation for all progress because a child who feels relaxed and happy is more likely to engage, imitate, and learn.

Play Provides Motivation:

Children are naturally motivated by the things they enjoy. When your speech pathologist engages in play, they are tapping into that motivation to create meaningful opportunities for learning. For example, if your child loves bubbles, the therapist might use the activity to model key words like "pop," "more," or "open," encouraging your child to communicate their wants. By embedding language goals into play, the therapist creates a context where communication feels fun and rewarding.

Play Supports Natural Learning:

Young children learn best in context. Structured drills or worksheets might work for older children or adults, but toddlers and preschoolers thrive in environments that feel natural and engaging. Through play, your child is learning how to use words, gestures, and expressions in real-world situations. The therapist’s role is to scaffold that learning—to provide just enough support to help your child succeed while still allowing room for them to explore and experiment.

What Your Speech Pathologist Is Doing During Play
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Although it may look like simple play, a lot of intentional strategies are at work during a therapy session. Here are some of the key techniques your speech pathologist is likely using:

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1. Following your child's lead:

Your therapist will often let your child choose the activity or toy, rather than directing the play. This approach allows your child to take the lead, which helps them feel empowered and more willing to communicate. It also provides a natural context for the therapist to model and expand on your child’s language.

2. Modelling Language:

During play, the therapist will model specific language targets. For example, if the goal is to work on two-word phrases, they might say, “Red car!” or “Big ball!” while playing. They’ll also use strategies like emphasizing key words, repeating them, and pairing them with gestures or actions to help your child understand and imitate.

3. Using Short, Simple Sentences:

To make communication more accessible, your therapist will intentionally simplify their speech. For instance, instead of saying, “Let’s get all of the blocks and put them back in the box,” they might say, “Blocks in the box!” and pair this with a pointing gesture. This strategy helps your child process language more easily and increases the likelihood of them imitating it.

4. Expanding Your Child’s Utterances:

If your child says a single word like “car,” the therapist might expand on it by saying, “Blue car,” or “Fast car!” This teaches your child how to build longer sentences and provides a model for more complex language.

5. Embedding Grammar and Speech Sounds

Even during play, the therapist is modelling correct grammar and pronunciation. If your child says, “Him go,” the therapist might gently respond with, “Yes, he is going! He’s running fast!” This provides a natural correction without interrupting the flow of play.

Trust the process!​

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It can be hard to see the “work” behind the play, but rest assured that your speech pathologist is using evidence-based strategies to help your child develop essential communication skills. Play is not just an activity—it’s a powerful tool for learning and connection. By meeting your child where they are and making therapy fun, your speech pathologist is setting the stage for long-term success.

Katie / Speech Pathologist (CPSP)

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