How to Prepare Your Child for Online Speech Therapy Sessions
How to Prepare Your Child for Online Speech Therapy Sessions
Online speech therapy offers a convenient and effective way for children to receive the speech and language support they need from home. Whether your child is working on articulation, fluency, language development, or social communication skills, virtual sessions provide the same expert guidance as in-person therapy—while eliminating the need for travel.
However, for online speech therapy to be most effective, proper preparation is key. Creating a structured and engaging environment helps children stay focused, participate actively, and get the most out of their therapy sessions.
This guide will walk you through how to prepare your child for virtual speech therapy, what to expect, and tips for making sessions successful.
Why Online Speech Therapy Works for Children
Online speech therapy, also known as teletherapy, uses video conferencing tools to connect children with speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Many families find it beneficial because:
✅ Sessions take place in a familiar environment, reducing anxiety.
✅ More scheduling flexibility for busy parents.
✅ Incorporates engaging digital tools like interactive games, visual aids, and video modeling.
✅ Parental involvement is encouraged, helping caregivers reinforce therapy techniques at home.
To make the most of online speech therapy, preparing both the environment and your child is essential.
How to Prepare Your Child for Online Speech Therapy
1. Set Up a Distraction-Free Space
A quiet and organized environment helps children focus and stay engaged.
✅ Choose a quiet area in the house, away from TVs, pets, or loud siblings.
✅ Use a table or desk instead of a couch or bed to encourage good posture.
✅ Remove unnecessary toys or clutter that might be distracting.
✅ Make sure lighting is good so the therapist can see your child’s mouth movements clearly.
2. Test Your Technology in Advance
Ensuring that your internet connection, microphone, and camera are working properly prevents delays or frustration during the session.
✅ Check Wi-Fi connectivity to avoid interruptions.
✅ Use headphones if needed to improve sound quality and reduce background noise.
✅ Position the camera at eye level so the therapist can clearly see your child’s face and mouth.
✅ Keep charging cables nearby in case a device battery runs low.
3. Have Necessary Materials Ready
Depending on the therapy plan, your therapist may ask you to have certain materials on hand.
✅ Basic supplies: Paper, markers, or a small whiteboard.
✅ Toys or household objects: Some activities may involve common items for hands-on engagement.
✅ Picture cards or worksheets: If your therapist provides materials in advance, have them printed and ready.
Ask your therapist before the session if specific tools are needed.
4. Prepare Your Child Mentally and Emotionally
Some children may feel shy or unsure about online sessions, especially at first. Helping them understand what to expect can ease anxiety.
✅ Explain that their speech therapist will appear on the screen just like a video call with family.
✅ Emphasize that it’s fun and interactive, not just “talking.”
✅ If your child is hesitant, do a practice video call with a relative or friend to get them comfortable.
✅ Remind them that their therapist is there to help and encourage them.
For younger children, a short routine before sessions (such as singing a song or deep breathing) can help them feel calm and ready to participate.
5. Set Expectations for Behavior and Participation
Even though sessions are at home, it’s important for children to understand that this is still a learning activity.
✅ Encourage good sitting posture and eye contact when possible.
✅ Remind them to listen to their therapist and take turns speaking.
✅ Keep a small fidget toy or stress ball nearby if your child benefits from movement while listening.
✅ Reinforce positive participation by praising their effort after each session.
6. Be Present and Involved
For younger children or those who need extra support, parental involvement can make therapy more effective.
✅ Stay nearby but not overly involved, unless the therapist requests direct participation.
✅ Help with technical issues so your child isn’t distracted by troubleshooting.
✅ Provide encouragement and motivation when needed.
✅ After the session, review key takeaways with your child and practice together.
For older children, allowing some independence while checking in occasionally can help build responsibility and confidence.
What to Expect During an Online Speech Therapy Session
Online speech therapy sessions are designed to be engaging, structured, and interactive. Here’s what typically happens:
Warm-up and greetings – The therapist checks in with your child, making them feel comfortable.
Speech and language activities – This may include articulation drills, conversation practice, interactive games, or storytelling.
Visual and auditory feedback – The therapist may use mirrors, digital tools, and gestures to help with pronunciation and comprehension.
Review and homework – The therapist may assign simple exercises to reinforce skills between sessions.
Each session is tailored to your child’s specific speech goals to ensure continued progress.
How to Reinforce Speech Therapy Between Sessions
To maximize progress, practice speech skills outside of therapy in a natural, low-pressure way.
1. Encourage Daily Speech Practice
Use everyday conversations to reinforce correct speech sounds and language skills.
Read books aloud together, emphasizing target sounds or words.
Play speech-friendly games like "I Spy" or storytelling challenges.
2. Follow Therapist Recommendations
Complete assigned exercises or activities between sessions.
If given worksheets, practice them together in a fun, relaxed manner.
Ask your therapist for tips on how to reinforce skills at home.
3. Keep Sessions Consistent
Stick to a regular schedule to build speech habits.
If a session must be missed, reschedule promptly to avoid gaps in progress.
4. Celebrate Small Wins
Praise your child’s efforts, even if progress seems slow.
Use a reward chart or fun incentives to encourage participation.
Final Thoughts
Online speech therapy is a powerful tool for helping children improve their speech clarity, language skills, and communication confidence—all from the comfort of home. By preparing the environment, setting expectations, and staying involved, you can ensure your child gets the most out of every session.
If your child is struggling with speech or language development, early intervention is key. Reach out to us today to schedule a free online evaluation, and let’s help your child achieve their communication goals with confidence!