10 Fun Speech Therapy Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers -

Have you ever found yourself wondering how to help your toddler or preschooler talk more without turning it into a lesson? I know I’d be looking for simple ideas that fit into everyday life, not activities that take lots of time or special supplies. That’s what I love about these speech therapy activities for toddlers.

They feel like play, but they also give little ones more chances to learn new words, express themselves, and build confidence. I’m sharing easy activities you can use during reading, singing, meals, and playtime to encourage communication in a fun, natural way.

If you’re looking for more simple ways to support your toddler’s communication throughout the day, you can also try these simple ways to encourage your toddler to talk more with everyday activities and conversations.

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Helpful Speech Therapy Resources for Toddlers and Preschoolers

10 Fun Speech Therapy Activities for Toddlers and preschoolers

1. Animal Sound Game

One of the easiest ways to encourage your toddler to communicate is by turning playtime into a conversation. Animal sounds are a great place to start because they are simple, fun, and often easier for toddlers to copy than full words.

You can use animal toys, flashcards, a picture book, or even animals you see outside. Start by showing your toddler one animal and making the sound yourself.

For example, hold up a cow and say, “This is a cow. The cow says moo.” Then pause and give your toddler a chance to try. They may not say the sound perfectly at first, and that is okay. A small attempt, a smile, or even a gesture is still a form of communication.

You can make this activity more interactive by asking questions like:

“What does the dog say?”
“Can you make the lion sound?”
“Where is the cat?”

This activity helps toddlers build imitation, vocabulary, and speech sounds by encouraging them to copy sounds, connect words with objects, and practice communicating through playful interaction.

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2. Sing Action Songs Together

Songs are one of my favorite ways to help toddlers learn language because they naturally encourage repetition. Children love hearing the same songs again and again, and that repetition gives them more chances to remember words and join in.

Choose simple action songs your toddler enjoys, such as “Wheels on the Bus,” “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” or “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.” Sing slowly and add movements so your child can connect words with actions.

For example, when singing “The wheels on the bus go…” stop before saying “round and round.” Give your toddler a few seconds to fill in the missing words. Even if they only make a sound or gesture, encourage them by responding happily.

You can also change the song slightly by adding your toddler’s name or using everyday words:

“Henry is clapping his hands.”
“The baby is jumping.”

Singing activities help improve memory, pronunciation, listening skills, and communication confidence while making language learning feel fun and natural.

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3. Picture Book Talking

Reading with your toddler is not only about finishing a story. It is also an opportunity to talk, ask questions, and help your child connect words with the world around them.

Choose simple picture books with bright images and familiar objects. Instead of only reading the words on the page, spend time talking about what you see together.

For example, if you see a picture of a dog, you can say:
“Look! It’s a dog. The dog is running. What sound does a dog make?”

Give your toddler time to respond. They may point, make a sound, or say part of the word. All of these are ways they are communicating.

Try asking simple questions:

“What is this?”
“Where is the ball?”
“What color is the car?”
“Who is sleeping?”

You can also expand on the words your toddler says. If they say “cat,” you can respond:
“Yes, a fluffy cat! The cat is sleeping.”

Picture book conversations help toddlers build vocabulary, understand language, practice communication, and gain confidence by learning that their words and ideas matter.

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4. The “What’s Inside?” Mystery Bag

Toddlers are naturally curious, which makes a mystery bag a fun way to encourage communication. This simple activity turns everyday objects into a language game where your child can explore, describe, and learn new words.

To set it up, you only need a small bag and a few safe objects your toddler already knows. You can use items like a spoon, ball, toy car, brush, block, or stuffed animal.

Place the objects inside the bag and let your toddler reach in and choose one. When they pull something out, talk about it together.

For example:
“Wow, you found a ball! It is a red ball. The ball is round. We can throw the ball.”

Then encourage your toddler to participate:

“What is this?”
“What color is it?”
“What can we do with it?”

If your toddler does not say the word yet, do not pressure them. Simply repeat the word naturally and give them time to listen and learn.

This helps toddlers build vocabulary, descriptive language, curiosity, problem-solving skills, and confidence in using words, sounds, or gestures to communicate what they discover.

5. Copy Me Game

Before toddlers can use many words, they first need to learn how to imitate sounds, movements, and actions. The “Copy Me” game is a simple activity that helps your child practice this important communication skill through play.

Start with easy actions your toddler can copy. Sit together and say, “Can you copy me?” Then try simple movements like:

Clapping your hands

Tapping the table

Stomping your feet

Waving goodbye

Making funny faces

Once your toddler begins copying actions, you can introduce simple sounds:

“ba-ba”
“mmm”
“moo”
“woof”

Make it fun by smiling, laughing, and celebrating their attempts. Remember, the goal is not perfection. Your toddler is learning that communication is a back-and-forth activity.

You can slowly move from sounds to words:

Sound: “ba”

Word: “ball”

Phrase: “big ball”

This activity helps toddlers develop imitation, listening skills, confidence, and turn-taking while teaching them the basics of communication through playful interaction.

6. Pretend Play Kitchen or Doctor Game

Pretend play is more than just fun. When toddlers pretend to cook, take care of a baby doll, or play doctor, they are practicing real-life conversations and learning how to express ideas.

You can start with simple pretend toys like:

A play kitchen
Toy food
A doctor kit
Dolls or stuffed animals

Join your toddler during play and create simple conversations.

For example:

You:
“Baby is hungry. What should we give baby?”

Your toddler:
“Food.”

You:
“Yes, let’s give baby some food. Baby is eating.”

You can also encourage your toddler to use action words:

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Wash

Help

Do not worry if your toddler’s sentences are short. Every small word they use is a step toward longer conversations.

The best part about pretend play is that it does not feel like learning. Your toddler is simply playing, while their communication skills are growing naturally.

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7. Snack Time Talking Activity

Snack time happens every day, which makes it one of the easiest opportunities to encourage your toddler’s communication. You do not need special toys or activities. A simple conversation while your child is eating can help them learn new words and practice expressing what they want.

Instead of giving your toddler a snack immediately, try offering simple choices. Hold up two options and ask:

“Do you want an apple or a banana?”

Then wait. Give your toddler enough time to respond. Some toddlers may say the word, point, use a sound, or look at their choice. All of these are ways of communicating.

When your toddler responds, repeat and expand their words.

For example:

Toddler:
“Banana.”

You:
“Yes, you want a banana. Here is your yellow banana.”

You can also talk about what they are doing:

“You are eating.”
“The apple is crunchy.”
“The cup has water.”

Remember, the goal is not to make your toddler repeat words perfectly. The goal is to create natural moments where communication feels useful and rewarding.

Snack time conversations help toddlers develop requesting skills, decision-making, and sentence-building while making communication feel natural and meaningful.

Related Post: 25 Fun Sensory Activities for Toddlers

8. Bubble Blowing Game

Bubbles are a simple but powerful tool for encouraging toddler communication because they create excitement and give your child a reason to interact with you.

Start by blowing a few bubbles and letting your toddler enjoy popping them. After a few turns, pause and hold the bubble wand. Look at your toddler and wait for them to communicate that they want more.

You can model simple words:

“More bubbles?”

“Say more.”

“Bubble!”

“Again?”

Your toddler may not say the exact word at first. They might point, reach, make a sound, or look at you. Respond to their attempt and give them another turn.

You can also make it a movement game:

“Pop the bubble.”
“Catch the bubble.”
“Big bubble.”
“Small bubble.”

The best part about this activity is that your toddler is motivated to communicate because they are excited about the game.

→Shop Bubble Toys for Toddlers on Amazon

9. Toddler Obstacle Course With Instructions

An obstacle course is a fun way to help your toddler practice listening and understanding language while moving their body. You can create one using things you already have at home.

For example, use pillows, cushions, toys, or a small tunnel. Then give your toddler simple instructions:

“Jump over the pillow.”

“Come here.”

“Pick up the ball.”

“Put the ball in the basket.”

“Climb up.”

Start with one-step directions. Once your toddler understands those, you can make them slightly harder:

“Pick up the car and put it on the chair.”

Remember to show your toddler what you mean if they need help. Learning happens through repetition.

This activity combines movement and language, making it perfect for active toddlers who enjoy exploring.

This activity helps toddlers improve language understanding, listening skills, action words, and problem-solving by following simple instructions while learning through movement and play.

10. Daily Routine Narration

One of the easiest ways to support your toddler’s speech is simply by talking more during the activities you already do. Your child does not need a formal lesson. They learn from hearing language throughout the day.

Try describing what you are doing during normal routines.

During bath time:
“Let’s wash your hands.”
“Wash your hair.”
“The water is warm.”

While getting dressed:
“Here is your blue shirt.”
“Put on your socks.”
“Shoes go on your feet.”

While cooking:
“I’m cutting the apple.”
“The soup is hot.”
“Stir the bowl.”

You can also describe what your toddler is doing:
“You are walking.”
“You are drinking water.”
“You found your toy.”

You do not need to create extra time for this activity. Your daily routines are already filled with opportunities to help your toddler build language skills.

When Should Parents Consider Talking to a Speech Therapist?

Every toddler develops communication skills at their own pace. Some children start talking early, while others take a little more time to find their words. However, if you notice that your child is having a harder time communicating, it may be helpful to talk with a speech therapist or your child’s healthcare provider for guidance.

A speech therapist can help you understand your toddler’s communication skills and share activities that support their development. Getting advice early can give you more ideas and support, especially if you have concerns.

Here are some signs that may be worth discussing with a professional:

Your toddler loses words they previously used

If your toddler was saying certain words and suddenly stops using them, it is a good idea to mention this to your child’s doctor or a speech professional. Changes in communication are something parents should pay attention to.

Your toddler does not respond to sounds or their name

Most toddlers notice familiar voices and sounds around them. If your child often does not respond when you call their name or does not seem interested in sounds, it may be helpful to seek advice.

Your toddler struggles to communicate their needs

Communication is not only about speaking. Toddlers also use pointing, gestures, facial expressions, and sounds to share what they want. If your child often becomes frustrated because they cannot express basic needs, extra support may be helpful.

Your toddler uses fewer words than expected for their age

Children learn language at different speeds, but if you feel your toddler is using very few words or is not making progress over time, a speech therapist can help you understand what steps to take next.

10 Fun Speech Therapy Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Helpful Speech Therapy Resources for Toddlers and Preschoolers