Speech therapy picture scenes and illustrations to elicit language are common (remember Cookie Theft with the overflowing sink), but are picture scenes an effective therapy tool for encouraging early language? In this post, you’ll get my take along with therapy ideas! *Spoiler Alert – I’m busting this myth 😊
Check out this FREE download for early language >> Free Speech Therapy Picture Scenes
Picture Scenes as Worksheets
Picture this… a student at a desk, holding a sharpened pencil, leaning over a piece of paper.
That’s the image that comes to mind for most of us when thinking about the word “worksheet”. This brings us to the myth!
Myth – Worksheets are inappropriate for children under 5 years of age.
Question: Do worksheets have a place in early childhood intervention?
Answer: I’m here to say YES, but all worksheets are NOT created equal!
Fact – The effectiveness of picture scenes for early intervention and preschool language activities largely depends on the strategies embedded into the activity as well as on the images themselves.
💥Myth Status: Busted!
Choosing Picture Scenes for Oral Language Development Activities
When choosing picture scenes for early intervention and preschool, look for flexible and functional worksheets that can fit a variety of needs – individual sessions, home practice, and mixed group sessions. Think about how you can vary prompts (modeling phrases, asking questions or following directions) and collect data. Any number of skills can be worked on, so take some time to consider what you want to target and how.
🚨 TIME SAVER (a.k.a I did some of the work for you!) – I created the picture scenes below with leveled language prompts making them easy to use for clinicians and caregivers) >> get the scenes pictured below!
Choosing Images for Early Childhood Intervention
The beauty of using picture scenes and printables for speech therapy is flexibility -, you essentially have the entire internet at your fingertips, giving you tons of choices. When you have the opportunity to choose diverse and inclusive imagery, everyone wins! Children from all backgrounds benefit from seeing ethnic diversity and people with a range of abilities represented at home, at school, and in the community.
✨If you want to learn about inclusive and responsive practices for collaborating with families → this freebie is a Must-Have! >> Download the Free Quick Guide here!
Tech Considerations
Consider the available formats and how each works for your needs. For me, PDF is my go-to for therapy resources because it can be opened on multiple devices or uploaded to digital platforms (Seesaw, for example). Look for simple imagery that displays clearly on screen and in print. Plus, simplicity is often best for younger kiddos and those who tend to become visually distracted!
→ Up next, fun ideas for your therapy sessions or home practice!
Creative Ways to Use Picture Scenes for Speech Therapy
Build language by using developmentally appropriate strategies to support communication and engagement – here are some ideas to bring the fun in preschool and early intervention special instruction!
Use as a visual for a scavenger hunt
- Find objects in the picture around the room and in books and check them off as you go
- Perfect opportunity to work on vocabulary and prepositions
Pair with dry-erase markers, play-doh or small toys
- Grab a page protector or laminate the pages
- Wipe and reuse! Disinfectant (child-friendly) as needed
Print and decorate!
- Use markers, stamps, stickers, paint or crayons
- Great activity for turn-taking, following directions and asking questions
Send home to support carryover
- Use as a conversation starter “Look what we worked on today!”
- Provide an activity for home practice (These picture scenes come with explicit instructions – perfect for caregivers)
Pin the image below to save this post for later! ↓
Picture Scenes for Speech Therapy – The Takeaway
There are so many ways to use picture scenes for early intervention and preschool to encourage early language. Home practice, teletherapy and coloring in session – just to name a few! Consider using diverse and inclusive imagery because representation matters for children from all backgrounds. *The strategies and activities you use along with printables make for effective and engaging sessions!*
P.S. Don’t forget to grab your free handouts to support the families on your caseload! >> grab free caregiver handouts here!
