Boosting Communication Skills Through Group Therapy
When you think about speech pathology sessions, most people picture a one-on-one setting with just your child and their Speech Pathologist. Individual therapy is highly beneficial as it’s tailored to your child’s specific needs and skill set. In a 1:1 setting, our Speech Pathologists help your child learn new skills and guide you, the parent, on how to best support them at home.
However, practicing these skills in real-life situations can be challenging. That’s where group therapy comes in! Group sessions allow children to apply their skills in a natural environment, all while receiving guidance from a Speech Pathologist. Group therapy can be powerful on its own, and when combined with individual sessions, it’s like the perfect pairing—think peanut butter and jelly.
What is Group Speech Therapy?
Group therapy involves delivering speech therapy in a group setting, typically with 4-6 children of similar age working toward similar communication goals. There’s something uniquely beneficial about overcoming challenges together in a group setting.
What does a typical Group session look like and what can I expect?
Each group session has a clear focus and specific goals, with children of similar ages and abilities. Groups typically run for one school term, either weekly or fortnightly. We target a wide range of communication areas. Previous groups have focused on:
School readiness
Listening and following directions
Building language and vocabulary
Self-advocacy
Teamwork skills
Problem-solving
Literacy skills
Sharing ideas
Negotiating
Storytelling
At Small Sprouts, we offer engaging and fun group options that encourage friendships. Our group therapy sessions can be accessed using NDIS funding, making them accessible to all our Small Sprouts families.
The Benefits
Participating in group therapy offers several benefits:
Practice skills learned in 1:1 sessions in a natural setting
Socialize with peers under a Speech Pathologist’s guidance
Increased frequency of sessions to accelerate progress toward goals
Engage in fun, interactive activities
Learn and grow in a supportive group environment
At Small Sprouts Therapy, we run a variety of group programs throughout the year. Some of our past groups include Dino Days, Curious Chemists, Cooking Club, Festive Fun with Friends, Lego Group, and many more. Keep an eye on our socials and website for upcoming groups and secure your spot!