Tips for Playing Go Fish in Your Speech Therapy Sessions

Playing Go Fish can be an engaging way to enhance communication skills during speech therapy sessions. Here are some tips to make the most of this classic card game:

1. Encourage Full Sentences: Instead of allowing players to simply ask for a card, prompt them to use full sentences. For example, they should say, “Do you have any threes?” rather than just “Threes?” This practice helps reinforce sentence structure and clarity.

2. Use Visuals: Incorporate visuals by displaying the cards on the table or using a whiteboard to note which cards have been asked for. This can support comprehension and memory skills, as players keep track of which cards are still in play.

3. Focus on Turn-Taking: Emphasise the importance of turn-taking not only for game play but as a social skill. Encourage players to wait patiently for their turn, fostering skills in waiting and listening.

4. Incorporate Vocabulary Building: Use the game as an opportunity to introduce new vocabulary. For instance, discuss the different types of fish or explore synonyms for common requests. This enriches the players' language and expands their verbal repertoire.

5. Utilise Questions: Encourage players to ask questions beyond the game rules. For example, if a player asks for a specific card and doesn’t get it, they could be prompted to ask why or to inquire about another player’s favourite colour.

6. Celebrate Progress: Highlight achievements, no matter how small. Whether a player successfully constructs a sentence or remembers another's request, acknowledging these victories can boost confidence and motivation.

By integrating these strategies into your speech therapy sessions, Go Fish can become a valuable tool for enhancing communicative abilities in a fun and interactive way.