The Role of Play in Speech Therapy: A Child-Centered Approach in Phnom Penh

For children, play isn’t just fun—it’s how they learn. From pretending to cook in a toy kitchen to building a tower of blocks, every playful moment is a chance to develop language. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we harness the power of play in speech therapy to make learning natural, effective, and enjoyable.

Speech therapy doesn’t have to feel clinical. Through child-led, purposeful play, our therapists build the foundations of communication that help children succeed in every area of life.

Why Play Matters in Speech Development

Children learn best when they’re engaged, relaxed, and having fun. Play provides the perfect context for building speech and language skills in ways that are meaningful and memorable.

Through play, children:

• Learn new vocabulary (“apple,” “cut,” “pour”)

• Practice turn-taking and sharing

• Use language in pretend scenarios

• Strengthen listening and following instructions

• Experiment with sounds, gestures, and storytelling

Read more about how play enhances communication.

Types of Play Used in Speech Therapy

At OrbRom Center, our therapists use different kinds of play to meet each child’s developmental and communication needs:

• Pretend play (e.g., tea party, doctor role-play) to boost vocabulary and sentence building

• Constructive play (e.g., blocks, puzzles) to teach concepts like size, color, and direction

• Sensory play (e.g., water, sand, playdough) to support children with sensory processing challenges

• Turn-taking games (e.g., board games, ball play) to foster conversational exchange and patience

Every activity is guided by specific goals and adjusted to your child’s learning style.

Learn how sensory integration complements speech therapy.

Speech Goals We Target Through Play

While it may look like fun, every play-based session is designed with purpose. Common goals include:

• Expanding vocabulary (“Where is the spoon?” “Let’s pour the juice!”)

• Practicing speech sounds (e.g., “s,” “l,” “r”) within play dialogue

• Using full sentences and question forms

• Understanding and following two- or three-step instructions

• Engaging in back-and-forth conversation

Try these simple speech activities at home.

Benefits of Play-Based Speech Therapy

The outcomes go beyond better communication. Play-based therapy also helps children:

• Reduce anxiety or resistance to therapy

• Improve social interaction and peer relationships

• Strengthen cognitive and problem-solving skills

• Stay engaged for longer sessions

• Generalize language skills into daily life

This approach is especially effective for children with autism, ADHD, or those who learn best through hands-on experience.

Explore how we support students with ADHD through structured activities.

The Parent’s Role in Play and Progress

We believe therapy doesn’t stop when your child leaves our center. Parents are a key part of the team. At OrbRom Center, we teach families how to use everyday toys and games to reinforce speech goals at home.

Tips for speech-building play:

• Follow your child’s lead in play

• Add language to what they’re doing (“You’re driving the car fast!”)

• Repeat new words and expand them into short sentences

• Ask open-ended questions (“What should we cook next?”)

• Don’t correct—model the correct word gently instead

Get a free checklist for building independence through daily routines.

A Safe, Creative Space for Every Child

Our Phnom Penh center is equipped with a range of toys, games, sensory tools, and communication aids designed to support children of all needs and abilities. We adapt every session to the child’s preferences while targeting specific communication skills.

Whether your child is learning their first words or building conversation skills, our therapists meet them where they are—through play.

Let’s Get Talking—Through Play

Speech therapy should feel like a journey, not a chore. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we believe that play opens doors to learning, growth, and connection.

If your child struggles with speech, language, or social interaction, we’re ready to help—one playful moment at a time.

Click here to explore our speech therapy services.