Turn It Up! Fun Ways to Amplify Kids’ Voices in Early Intervention

Hi friends! 👋🏼

If there’s one thing I’ve learned after years of working in Early Intervention, it’s this: sometimes the most random thing can completely turn around a tricky session. You know the kind—your kiddo’s not engaging, motivation is low, and you’re wondering if you should’ve just brought a bubble machine and called it a day.

But here’s a little secret I’ve discovered… one of the simplest, most effective ways to get a hesitant or quiet child more excited about vocalizing is to amplify their voice.

Yep. Turn the volume up—literally! 🔊

Why Amplifying Works

Some kids just aren’t confident in their speech yet. They might be shy, unsure, or just not that interested in talking. Others may not find vocalizing all that fun (yet!). As SLPs, we have the opportunity to show them that their voice is worth hearing—and that it can be exciting to use!

When kids hear their voice in a new, louder, or funnier way, it can feel empowering and silly in all the right ways. And in Early Intervention, fun is half the battle.

The Benefits of Voice Amplification in Speech Therapy

Here’s why this strategy is a go-to for me:

Increased Motivation & Engagement
Kids love toys, props, and anything that changes how they sound. That curiosity alone can get them talking more, and when they’re having fun, they’re more likely to keep participating.

Modeling & Imitation
When you use amplification tools, you can model speech sounds in a playful way that encourages kids to imitate—an essential building block for language growth.

Low Pressure & Fun
For some kids, directly “practicing speech” can feel intimidating. But add in a toy microphone or a silly echo, and suddenly it feels like playtime instead of work time.

Building Social Skills
You can use amplified voice play for turn-taking (“Your turn to sing into the mic!”), conversation starters, or pretend play, all of which build pragmatic language skills.

Easy Voice Amplification Ideas for Your Next Session

The best part? You don’t need fancy equipment—just a few everyday items and a little creativity. Here are some of my favorite ways to “turn up the volume” in sessions:

1. Toy Microphones

From dollar store finds to kid-friendly karaoke mics, these are always a hit. Bonus points if they have built-in sound effects!

2. Plastic Cups

Simple but effective—talk into the open end and let the child copy you. You can even make a “telephone” with two cups and some string.

3. Toilet Paper or Paper Towel Tubes

Instant echo effect! Decorate them with stickers to make them even more fun.

4. Dolls, Action Figures, and Stuffed Animals

Have the “toy” talk into the mic or tube—sometimes kids will join in faster when it’s part of pretend play rather than you directly prompting them.

5. Echo Apps or Simple Voice Changers

If you have a tablet or phone handy (and the family is okay with it), use a kid-friendly app that changes the pitch, speed, or echo of the child’s voice.

Making the Most of It

A few tips for getting the best results:

• Start with Modeling – Let the child hear your voice through the prop first so they know what to expect.

• Pair with Target Goals – Whether it’s CV words, animal sounds, or functional phrases, you can easily incorporate voice amplification into your existing therapy plan.

• Keep It Play-Based – Turn it into a game: sing, pretend to be an announcer, or have a “talk show” moment.

• Celebrate Every Attempt – Amplifying their voice is all about confidence-building, so give big, positive reactions each time they try.

Why I Love This Strategy

In Early Intervention, we know that confidence is key. A child who feels proud of their voice is much more willing to take communication risks. By adding in these simple, playful activities, we’re not just targeting expressive language—we’re giving them the tools and encouragement to enjoy communicating.

So the next time you have a hesitant talker, grab a toy microphone or a cardboard tube and let the magic happen. You might be surprised how quickly “I don’t want to talk” turns into “Can I do it again?!”

💡 Your Turn!
What’s your favorite way to amplify a child’s voice in therapy? Share in the comments—I’m always looking for new ideas to keep things fresh and fun.

And if you want even more Early Intervention-friendly therapy ideas, keep an eye out—I’ve got plenty more coming your way!