Mirror Play and Facial Exercises: A Fun Way to Boost Speech Therapy in Phnom Penh

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, speech therapy doesn’t always look like drills and worksheets—it can be joyful, creative, and even a little silly. One engaging technique we use is mirror play, where children observe and mimic their facial movements. Whether it’s making a “fish face” or practicing sounds, this fun activity builds the motor foundations necessary for clear speech and confident communication.

What Is Mirror Play in Speech Therapy?

Mirror play involves children looking into a mirror while practicing:

• Mouth movements for specific sounds

• Lip rounding and stretching for articulation

• Tongue placement for speech clarity

• Facial expressions that support emotional awareness

At OrbRom Center, therapists use mirrors, props, and playful routines to help children improve articulation, phonological awareness, and expressive language skills.

Why Facial Exercises Matter

Facial muscles are like any other muscles—they need practice to become strong and coordinated. Fun facial exercises such as:

• Puffing cheeks

• Sticking out the tongue

• Smiling wide or pouting like in the photo

…all help improve oral motor skills, which are critical for sound production, chewing, swallowing, and overall verbal clarity.

These exercises are especially helpful for children with:

• Speech delays

• Childhood apraxia of speech

• Down syndrome or muscle tone challenges

• Autism spectrum disorder

Making Therapy Fun and Functional

At OrbRom Center, we believe play-based therapy keeps children engaged and motivated. Mirror play blends well with makeup games, costumes, or role-playing to encourage spontaneous language use and interactive learning.

For example:

• A child pretends to get ready for a party while naming emotions in the mirror

• Therapists guide lip and tongue placements during a “makeup tutorial” session

• Children mimic silly faces to warm up before speaking

This approach builds self-confidence, supports social-emotional development, and increases participation.

Supporting Parents in Phnom Penh

We also empower parents to continue mirror-based speech therapy at home. Whether it’s during morning routines or playtime, just 10 minutes of guided mirror practice can lead to:

• Stronger speech articulation

• Improved self-awareness

• More consistent carryover of therapy goals

Our therapists provide tools and training so parents can support their child’s speech journey confidently and creatively.

👉 Explore our Speech Therapy Services in Phnom Penh