How to Use Alexa in Speech Therapy

Have you ever thought about using Alexa in speech therapy sessions? I unintentionally jumped on the Alexa bandwagon when my mother gave me a device that she had gotten as a gift. Having Alexa around is great to ask about the weather, set reminders, or ask about a random fact.

Then, once during a teletherapy session, Alexa thought I was talking to her and loudly asked me to repeat myself. My client, who was living in South Africa, was curious about her. I introduced the two and was amazed at how much I used Alexa during that session.

Alexa can set alarms, set reminders, play music, answer questions, search the internet, and control smart home devices. She can also tell you jokes, provide interesting facts, and even play games with you. Alexa is a smart voice assistant from Amazon and, with a little creativity, can become your very own speech therapy assistant  🤓

I want to share 7 ideas for using Alexa in your speech therapy sessions. 🎉

1. Giving directions 👉

Have your client give Alexa directions to follow, like ‘tell me the weather’ or ‘touch your nose.’ For the sillier ones that obviously cannot be done, Alexa will respond with a witty remark (which will make you and your client laugh).

If Alexa is attached to any smart device, such as a light switch, the client can give her directions to do things around the home like turn on and off lights or T.V.

2. Following directions 👂🏼

Alexa can give the client directions to follow. Just ask Alexa to play Simon Says and have the client follow along. Somehow, following directions from Alexa is much more fun than following directions from a speech therapist 😉

3. Asking questions ❓

Ask Alexa anything! This is a great way to work on the grammatical structure of asking questions vs. making a statement. Plus, there is so much fun to be had. Alexa has a wealth of information at her fingertips. Just ask her how far away earth is from the sun, where is Siberia, or how many people live in Alaska. Ask away and be creative!

4. Telling jokes 🤣

You can have the client tell Alexa a joke or have Alexa tell your client a joke. Either way, this is guaranteed to get laughs. From there, you can discuss what made the joke funny, like a play on words. Then have the client tell a joke to family and friends for homework.

5. Listening comprehension 🤔

Ask Alexa to tell you a story, the news, or facts about a given topic. Then have the client take notes and answer comprehension or inference questions.

6. Word meanings 🗣

“Ask Alexa” the definition of any word. Then have the client use that word in a sentence or question

7. Play games 🤪

Just ask Alexa to ‘play a game’ and hear the endless possibilities. Let the client choose (or negotiate with a peer to decide) and let Alexa do her thing. Once she asks a question, you and the client can discuss the answer and then have the client shout it out.

For more language game ideas, check out my store on Teachers Pay Teachers.

Bonus 🎉

Having the client talk to Alexa is an easy, indirect way to have the client work on grammar and pronunciation. If Alexa doesn’t understand something, she will politely ask for clarification. Most clients are happy to try again by rephrasing the statement or question (grammar) or changing their pronunciation, slowing down, or over-enunciating each word (pronunciation). Be sure to check out how to use Alexa in accent modification sessions.