Mardi Gras–Themed Speech Therapy Activities Kids Will Love
Hey, speech friend! 👋🏼
In case you’re new around here, or didn’t already know, I’m based in Louisiana—which means this time of year looks a little different for us. While much of the country is powering through a normal school week, we’re celebrating a very unique holiday: Mardi Gras.
Between parades, beads, and maybe a little too much king cake, many of us are actually out of school to celebrate. But even if Mardi Gras isn’t part of your local culture, it makes for an excellent therapy theme—and one your students probably haven’t explored before.
New themes automatically spark curiosity, which means built-in engagement. So today, I’m sharing some easy, Mardi Gras–themed activities you can use in your own speech sessions—no matter where you’re located.
Start with books to build background knowledge
Anytime I introduce a theme that’s unfamiliar, I start with literacy. Books are such an easy way to build background knowledge, introduce vocabulary, and set the stage for meaningful language work.
I especially love using books written and illustrated by Louisiana natives—they feel authentic and are always a hit with my students. Some favorites include:
These books are great for targeting story elements, sequencing, predicting, describing, and even inferencing—plus they naturally introduce new vocabulary like parade, float, beads, and celebration.
Literacy extensions made simple
You know I love a good literacy extension, especially when it doesn’t require a trip to the craft store. I like to break activities down by age group so you can adapt them easily across your caseload.
Elementary Age Activities
King Cake Construction
Supplies:
-
Brown craft or packing paper
-
Paint and brushes
-
Glitter or beads
Have students crumple the brown paper into a circular shape to form a “king cake.” Then let them paint and decorate it. Traditionally, king cakes use purple, green, and gold—but kids can absolutely get creative.
Language targets you can hit here:
-
Sequencing (first, next, last)
-
Describing (colors, textures)
-
Following directions
-
Requesting materials
-
Expanding sentences
Edible King Cake (if you’re feeling ambitious)
Supplies:
-
Plain donuts or Rice Krispie treats
-
Icing
-
Sprinkles
Have students decorate their edible king cakes and then present them. Encourage them to describe how it looks, how it tastes, and what they used to make it. This is great for articulation carryover, descriptive language, and even basic narrative skills.
Middle and Upper Grades Activities
Build a Mardi Gras Float
Supplies:
-
Shoebox
-
Construction paper
-
Glue
-
Decorations
Students design their own parade float using a shoebox as the base. This activity works beautifully for:
-
Planning and organization
-
Descriptive language
-
Explaining ideas
-
Justifying choices (“I chose this because…”)
You can easily scaffold by having students sketch their float first, write a short description, or present it to the group once it’s complete.
Another fun and easy craft idea are my Mardi Gras Articulation Masks!
You can go as detailed or simple with these as you want all while practicing articulation with your students! My clients love when I pull this craft out year after year!
>> CLICK HERE TO GRAB IT FOR YOUR SPEECH ROOM <<
Why this theme works so well
Mardi Gras is engaging because it’s new, colorful, and fun—but it’s also incredibly flexible. You can scale these activities up or down depending on goals, attention levels, and age.
And best of all? The novelty does some of the heavy lifting for you. When kids are curious, they’re more willing to talk, describe, explain, and participate.
You don’t need to be from Louisiana—or celebrate Mardi Gras yourself—to use this theme effectively. Sometimes introducing something unfamiliar is exactly what makes a session click.
So whether you’re surrounded by parades or just looking for a fresh idea to mix things up, Mardi Gras might be the theme your therapy room needs.
