Construction Themed Speech Therapy Activities
I enjoy using themes in my speech sessions because it helps streamline therapy planning. A construction theme is a big hit and great because of all the speech-language concepts you can target!
Construction Themed Speech-Language Targets
- Construction vocabulary – Identify and name different construction vehicles, equipment, and projects. Discuss various actions and adjectives associated with them. Compare and contrast with tables or Venn diagrams to help build vocabulary. Expand construction-related vocabulary with terms like “blueprint,” “foundation,” and “scaffolding.”
- Descriptive language – Learn descriptive words for vehicles and equipment found at construction sites (e.g., wet, slippery, splash, sharp.)
- Prepositions – Work on spatial concepts! Describe where construction items are in relation to each other or to other objects.
- Wh-questions – Use construction-themed Wh-questions to practice comprehension and expression skills.
- Following Directions – Give the child multi-step instructions to complete a building task, such as “First, pick up the red block, then place it on the green block, and finally, add a yellow block on top.”
- Sequencing – Use pictures of different steps in a construction process (e.g., planning, digging foundation, building frame, adding roof) and have the child put them in the correct order. Have the child describe the steps they took to build a simple structure with blocks or LEGO.
- Categorization – Sort and categorize construction vehicles and equipment based on size, purpose, or color.
- Storytelling – Create a story together about a construction project. Practice retelling the story story using beginning, middle, and end concepts.
- Articulation practice – Identify specific speech sounds to work on (e.g., /k/ in “crane,” /s/ in “saw,” /r/ in “brick”). Have the child practice their target sounds while playing with construction toys or reading a construction-themed book.
- Conversation skills – Discuss your favorite construction vehicles and explain why. Use conversation prompts to practice generalizing articulation sounds and practicing fluent speech.
Construction Themed Wh Questions
Who uses construction equipment?
Who is responsible for designing buildings?
Who oversees a construction project from start to finish?
What is your favorite construction vehicle?
What does an architect do?
What safety equipment do construction workers use?
What is an excavator used for?
When do construction workers use a measuring tape?
When is the best time to do construction work?
When do the construction workers use a crane?
Where is the foundation of a building located?
Where can you find the tallest buildings in the world?
Where do construction workers get their materials?
Why is steel often used in the construction of tall buildings?
Why do construction projects sometimes take a long time to complete?
Why is it important to protect and conserve the ocean environment?
Why can’t kids play in a construction site?
Why do construction workers wear hard hats?
Why are construction sites loud?
Construction Themed Books
Here is a list of fan-favorite construction-themed books to incorporate into your speech therapy sessions:
- “Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site” by Sherri Duskey Rinker and Tom Lichtenheld
This story features various construction vehicles saying goodnight after a hard day’s work. Ages 2-3. - “Dig Dig Digging” by Margaret Mayo and Alex Ayliffe
A rhyming book that features various construction vehicles and their functions. The colorful illustrations and simple text make it great for young readers. Ages 1-3. - “Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night?” by Brianna Caplan Sayres and Christian Slade
This book imagines the bedtime routines of different construction vehicles. Ages 2-3. - “The Little Blue Digger” series by Harriet Tuppen
This series follows the adventures of a small, brave digger and his friends as they tackle various construction challenges. Ages 2-5. - “Construction” by Sally Sutton and Brian Lovelock
A rhythmic book that details the step-by-step process of constructing a building. It’s filled with action words and onomatopoeia, making it engaging for kids. Ages 2-3. - “The Construction Alphabet Book” by Jerry Pallotta and Rob Bolster
An A-to-Z guide to construction equipment and terms. Each letter introduces a different aspect of the construction world, with detailed illustrations. Ages 2-4. - “Mighty, Mighty Construction Site” by Sherri Duskey Rinker and Tom Lichtenheld
A follow-up to “Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site,” this book focuses on teamwork as different vehicles come together to complete a big project. Ages 2-3. - “The Digger and the Flower” by Joseph Kuefler
A story about a construction digger who finds a flower on the worksite and decides to protect it. Ages 2-4. - “Iggy Peck, Architect” by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts
This story follows Iggy Peck, a young boy with a passion for building and architecture. Ages 3-6. - “How a House is Built” by Gail Gibbons
Although it’s accessible for younger children, this book provides a detailed look at the steps involved in building a house, from the foundation to the finishing touches. It’s informative and well-illustrated. Ages 3-7.
Construction Themed Activity Ideas
Construction Themed Barrier Game – A digital, self-grading Boom Cards barrier game! Use this flexible therapy tool to work on many language goals in an engaging, interactive way! They work exceptionally well for mixed groups, to generalize concepts, and social skills groups! Target: expressive skills (giving directions), receptive skills (following directions), social skills, basic concepts, vocabulary, categorization, sentence formation, and storytelling.
Construction Language Scene – Use this busy picture scene for construction themed speech therapy – target many language goals with this no prep activity. Includes wh questions, pre-made 1-3 step directions, conversation prompts, verbs, prepositions, basic concepts, categories, and more!
Construction Themed Apps
- Trucks by Duck Duck Moose – An interactive app where kids can play with different trucks and construction vehicles. The app includes various educational activities such as puzzles and matching games. Ages 4+ FREE.
- Dr Panda Trucks – Kids can drive different construction vehicles and complete various building projects. The app emphasizes creativity and problem-solving. Ages 4+ FREE.
- Tiny Builders – A fun app where kids can operate diggers, cranes, and other construction machinery. It offers an interactive construction site experience with various mini-games. Ages 4+ and $3.99.
Construction Themed Toy
Mix & Match Magnetic Construction Vehicles
I own the space versions of this toy from Lakeshore, and it is a popular item! You can mix and match the pieces.
Do you have any fun construction-themed activities you use in speech therapy? Comment below!
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Speech Therapy Themes by Month
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