As the crisp fall air settles in and leaves begin to change colors, it’s the perfect time to introduce seasonal activities into your speech therapy sessions. Today, I’m excited to share a fun and effective pumpkin-themed activity that you can incorporate during October or November. This engaging language activity is designed to captivate young minds and make speech therapy both enjoyable and productive.
Setting the Stage with “Spookly the Square Pumpkin”
The centerpiece of this activity is the delightful book, Spookly the Square Pumpkin by Joe Troiano. This story tells the tale of a little pumpkin who stands out from the rest because he isn’t shaped like his peers. It’s a charming narrative that your students will find both entertaining and relatable.
While reading the story, I like to bring out a special prop—my trusty Spookly stuffy. This plush companion adds an interactive element to the reading session, and my students absolutely adore it. It allows them to connect with the story in a tangible way, making the experience more immersive and memorable.
Enhancing Speech Skills with S Blends
For students working on S blends, this book provides an excellent opportunity to practice these sounds. As you read, be sure to highlight and emphasize the S blends, turning the engaging story into a practical lesson. You will know you are being subtly strategic, but your students won’t!
Transitioning to Movement with a Hide and Find Speech Therapy Game
After reading, it’s time to get moving. This is where the hide-and-find game comes into play, providing a dynamic follow-up to the quieter reading session. I take the Spookly stuffed animal and hide it around the room. However, you could also create a square pumpkin using construction paper and markers and hide that as well.
This activates the students’ problem-solving skills and encourages physical movement, which is especially beneficial after sitting.
During this game, we focus on honing language skills with WH questions, particularly “Where” questions. We also incorporate location words, such as the prepositions “on,”” in,” “under,” and “beside.” Students enjoy the thrill of the hunt, and the activity seamlessly blends play with learning.
Speech and Language Benefits
This pumpkin-themed activity is designed to provide a rich language experience for preschoolers, helping them practice important speech therapy skills in an enjoyable and seasonally relevant manner. It’s a proven success with kids aged three and up, making it a versatile option for speech therapists looking to enhance their fall curriculum.
Incorporating seasonal themes into your therapy sessions can rejuvenate the learning experience and keep young students engaged. Give this pumpkin-themed activity a try and watch your students thrive while having a spooktacularly good time!
More Speech Therapy Movement Activities
If your students love to move, here are more movement-based speech therapy activities! Happy reading!
