How Peer Interaction During Pretend Play Enhances Speech Therapy Outcomes

Speech therapy doesn’t always happen one-on-one. In fact, some of the most powerful language learning takes place when children play and talk together. Peer-based pretend play, like “doctor” games, encourages children to use real-life communication skills in meaningful, engaging ways. At OrbRom Center, we incorporate cooperative play into our speech therapy in Phnom Penh sessions to help children build social language, problem-solving, and expressive skills.

Why Peer Play Matters in Speech Therapy

When two children engage in a pretend scenario together—like examining a toy patient—they naturally begin to:

• Ask and answer questions: “What’s wrong with her?” “Should we give medicine?”

• Use role-specific language: “You be the nurse,” “I’ll do the surgery”

• Negotiate and take turns: “You check the heartbeat, I’ll fix the leg”

• Describe actions and feelings: “She’s sick,” “He’s feeling better now”

These types of interactions help develop vocabulary, sentence construction, and pragmatic (social) language skills.

How OrbRom Therapists Use Peer-Based Play

At OrbRom Center, our therapists often pair children in small groups or dyads for pretend play. With careful facilitation, they:

• Prompt children to communicate and collaborate

• Encourage turn-taking and active listening

• Guide conversations and vocabulary expansion

• Support children who are shy or delayed in initiating speech

By working together, children not only practice language—they also build friendships, confidence, and empathy.

Great for Children with Social Communication Needs

Peer pretend play is especially effective for children with autism, speech delays, or social language challenges. It helps them:

• Learn how to initiate and maintain conversations

• Understand non-verbal cues like facial expressions and tone

• Develop emotional vocabulary and empathy

• Practice real-world communication in a low-pressure environment

When guided properly, even brief pretend interactions can lead to major language breakthroughs.

How Parents Can Encourage Peer Play at Home

Set up simple play sessions with a sibling, cousin, or friend. Use toy medical kits, dolls, or stuffed animals. Step back and observe—but step in with a prompt if needed (“What should the doctor say now?”). At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we provide families with strategies to support speech and social goals through peer play.

Boost Language Through Friendship and Imagination

When children work and play together, they learn how to express ideas, solve problems, and connect with others. That’s what makes peer interaction one of the most powerful tools in speech therapy. Explore our creative, collaborative programs at OrbRom Center and help your child grow in both speech and social confidence.