Pumpkin Construction Zone: Speech Therapy in Progress

This pumpkin activity is a favorite among my students every year. The look on their faces is priceless as I pull out a pumpkin, some golf tees and a rubber mallet. Yup, I have their interest alright! What is this madness you ask? Well, we aren't smashing pumpkins, that is for sure! Let's reserve the Smashing Pumpkins for our listening enjoyment as we unwind on a relaxing fall evening at the fire pit.

I have students select a target word/task prior to hammering a golf tee into a pumpkin. You can use a toy hammer or purchase a rubber mallet from your local dollar store. Students targeting articulation then say their target sound each time they pound the golf tee. It assists in pairing articulation with a motor movement in a fun, engaging way. I use my Articulation Speech Sticks to elicit target sounds and Sight Word Sticks to target various language tasks, however you can use your own task cards as well.

Students spin the spinner to determine whether they will hammer a golf tee into the pumpkin or remove one (using pliers or their fingers).

As an added bonus, this Pumpkin Construction Free Activity Companion bridges the gap between what happens within you therapy session and the home environment by providing a carryover game activity that students can play at home. Each student writes the word or target vocabulary he/she practiced on an empty space on their game board after each turn. They can then use the completed game board to practice at home!

So, what do you say? Are you ready to put on your Pumpkin Construction hat and get to work?

Warm Wishes for a Successful Therapy Session, 

Desiree