Using Crafts During Your St. Patricks Day Sessions

Hi friends! 👋🏼

St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate in your speech therapy sessions than with some fun, festive crafts? Crafts aren’t just a great way to get kids engaged—they’re also a fantastic tool for practicing speech and language skills in a hands-on way. Plus, who doesn’t love a little glitter and glue to brighten up the day? ✨

Why Crafts Work in Speech Therapy

When we bring crafts into speech therapy, we’re giving kids an interactive way to practice articulation, vocabulary, and expressive language skills. Instead of just talking about words and sounds, they get to create something that represents those concepts. This makes learning more tangible and memorable, especially for kids who benefit from multisensory activities.

For example, making a leprechaun hat or a pot of gold craft can help reinforce key sounds, encourage storytelling, and introduce new vocabulary words related to St. Patrick’s Day. When kids are engaged and having fun, they’re more likely to participate and practice their speech goals without even realizing it!

Craft Ideas for St. Patrick’s Day Speech Sessions

Here are a few easy and effective craft ideas you can use in your sessions:

1. Rainbow Chains for Sequencing & Descriptive Language

Grab some colored paper strips and have kids create a rainbow paper chain. As they build their chains, they can practice sequencing (first, next, last), describe each color (or certain target), or use adjectives to talk about the materials (smooth, shiny, bright, etc.). This activity is perfect for encouraging descriptive language and expanding vocabulary. You can also use one chain as a certain number of trial target words for speech sound practice. 

2. Shamrock Collage for Articulation Practice

Cut out shamrocks and let kids decorate them with stickers, tissue paper, or cotton balls. Each time they add something, they can practice a target speech sound.  Repetition is key in speech therapy, and this turns it into a game!

3. Leprechaun Puppets for Storytelling & Social Skills

Use paper bags or popsicle sticks to make leprechaun puppets. Once they’re done, kids can use them to act out a short story, practice turn-taking in a conversation, or answer WH-questions about their leprechaun’s adventures. Puppets encourage imaginative play and help kids practice using complete sentences in a fun, low-pressure way.

4. Pot of Gold Language Stuffer

Using my St. Patrick's Day Language Stuffer Craft, target WH questions, Antonyms, Synonyms, Categories, and more! Students will cut out their gold coins to practice each target and 'stuff' their pots of gold. 

The Bonus Benefits of Crafting

Beyond speech and language goals, crafting also helps with fine motor skills, following directions, and social interaction. Holding a paintbrush, cutting with scissors, and gluing pieces together all contribute to motor development, while sharing supplies and discussing their crafts encourage communication with peers.

Crafts also boost kids’ confidence. There’s something magical about creating something with your own hands—it gives kids a sense of accomplishment and makes them more willing to participate in the learning process.

Making Speech Therapy Sessions More Festive & Fun

By incorporating St. Patrick’s Day-themed crafts into your sessions, you can create an engaging environment where kids don’t just practice their speech skills—they enjoy the process. Whether they’re describing the colors of the rainbow, practicing target sounds, or storytelling with their leprechaun puppets, they’re learning in a way that feels natural and fun.

So, grab some green paper, a handful of gold glitter, and get ready to bring a little Irish luck to your speech therapy sessions. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Happy speeching!