Movement in Speech Therapy

The Importance of Movement

Pairing movement with speech therapy can be beneficial in more ways than one. Movement encourages us to be present, be active, and have fun! Using movement can stimulate sensory processing, improve coordination, and enhance breath control. These are all crucial components for producing sounds, forming words, and regulating speech patterns. By engaging the body in dynamic ways, therapy can strengthen the muscles used in speech, promote better articulation, and improve overall communication skills.

Movement in our Clinic

At Grow With Words, we love incorporating movement into our sessions. You may see us with clients:

• playing a game of hopscotch

• jumping on a trampoline

• using a scooter board

• doing jumping jacks

• dancing to music

• playing “Simon says”

These are just a few of the ways we engage our clients to feel ready to take on their speech therapy sessions. By using movement, clients and clinicians can be awake, excited, and ready to master their goals!

The Research

Movement gets our blood pumping! As the blood flows, our body gets a boost in oxygen and energy. For our clients coming in after a long day at school, movement can be just the trick to get them awake and ready for a speech therapy session. Studies have shown that children who engage in physical activity have improved memory, attention, and cognitive skills (Kohl, 2013). Our goal is to always set our clients up for success. By incorporating movement into our practice, we can put our clients in a good position to be focused and engaged during their speech therapy sessions. 

We hope to be moving with you and your little ones soon!

Kohl, HW, and HD Cook. “Educating the Student Body: Taking Physical Activity and Physical Education to School.” The National Academies, 2013, doi:10.17226/18314. 

Growing with you, 

Grow With Words Team