Your Therapy Source Magazine for Pediatric Therapists | Page 4

Tips for Successful Pediatric Group Therapy Sessions
(Continued)
The activities and tasks that are planned for the session should be fun, exciting and novel as
well as pertinent to the children’s goals. If the children are having fun while achieving their
goals the participation level will most likely increase. In addition, a motivated child will exhibit
appropriate behavior in order to participate. Provide positive reinforcement to the children in
order for them to realize that effort is just as important as accomplishing the task. All children
in the group may not be able to participate at the same level. If the child is working hard,
recognize their determination.
Remember to be flexible. If the children are not able to complete a planned activity they may
become frustrated, refuse to participate or exhibit inappropriate behavior. Be sure to adjust
accordingly. First, try to simplify or repeat the directions to ensure that the children understand
what is being asked of them. Also, try to simplify the tasks or break the skill down into smaller
parts so that the children can accomplish the activity. If the children continue to exhibit
difficulties after modifying the planned activity, you may need to move on to a new activity.
If you are working with a large group, try recruiting another staff member to create a
collaborative treatment session. Motor activities provide an excellent resource for language
development. For example, concepts such as prepositions can be physically acted out lending
further understanding of the words. Perhaps the speech therapist can address certain goals
while you are also addressing your goals.
Another option when working with a large group, is to break the group up into smaller groups.
Establish several activity stations to be accomplished during a certain amount of time. You
can monitor one station where the children will need more supervision. Plan several other
stations that can be completed independently. Rotate the smaller groups through each of the
stations. The smaller group setting will allow each child to participate more