Speech therapy is a journey, and like any journey, it’s easier to stay on track when you have clear goals. For children in speech therapy, goal-setting isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about building confidence, celebrating progress, and creating a roadmap to real-life communication success. At Watch Me Shine in Bangor, Maine, our speech therapy services are critical to our mission of helping every child reach their full potential.
Why Goals Matter in Speech Therapy
Goals in speech therapy give both the therapist and the child a clear direction. Whether it’s saying a tricky sound like “R,” following multi-step directions, or improving social communication, specific goals help break the larger picture into manageable steps. More importantly, well-defined goals give kids a sense of accomplishment. When they meet a goal, they feel proud, and that motivation fuels even more progress.
Setting SMART Goals
A good speech therapy goal is SMART:
- Specific: What exactly is the child working on?
- Measurable: Can we track when progress happens?
- Achievable: Is the goal realistic for the child’s current abilities?
- Relevant: Does this goal matter for the child’s communication needs?
- Time-bound: When should we expect to see progress?
For example: “The student will correctly produce the /s/ sound at the beginning of words during structured activities with 80% accuracy across three sessions.” This goal is clear, trackable, and tailored to the student’s needs.
Involving Kids in the Process
Whenever possible, involve the child in setting their own goals. Ask them what they’d like to get better at or why they want to improve a particular skill. When children have a say in their goals, they’re more likely to stay engaged and take ownership of their progress. Visual charts, stickers, or checklists can help kids see how far they’ve come and how close they are to their next success.
Celebrating Progress
Progress in speech therapy isn’t always fast, but every step counts. Celebrate small wins: the first time a sound is produced correctly, a successful conversation with a peer, or mastering a new vocabulary word. These victories add up and remind kids that hard work pays off.
Speech Therapy in Bangor, Maine | Watch Me Shine
By setting thoughtful, child-centered goals and encouraging progress along the way, speech therapy becomes not only practical but also empowering for young learners. Contact our team at Watch Me Shine to learn more about our speech and language therapy services and what we can do for your child.
