Speech Therapy Materials: Taboo Game Ideas

The Taboo game is a powerful, language-rich tool that can be easily adapted for speech and language therapy. With built-in vocabulary demands, flexible rules, and high engagement, it works especially well for students targeting expressive language, word finding, and articulation generalization.

These speech therapy materials using Taboo are designed for:

• Speech-language pathologists who want adaptable, low-prep therapy ideas
• Parents supporting speech and language goals at home
• Students who benefit from structured language practice wrapped in play

While I prioritize curriculum-based therapy, games like Taboo are useful for carryover, engagement, and skill generalization when used intentionally.

Again, I found this game at a local garage sale. I was very excited because I can't find it anywhere and I LOVE this game! You may find a used version on Amazon for a reasonable price.

Using Taboo in Speech Therapy

I rarely use games exactly as written. Instead, I adapt the rules to reduce pressure, increase language output, and support success.

Basic setup (modified):

• Two or more players (I typically avoid teams)
• One student acts as the clue giver
• The goal is clear communication—not speed

I do not use the timer. Time pressure interferes with word retrieval and language formulation for many students.

Goal: Word Finding

Best for students who can read and are working on expressive or receptive word-finding strategies.

• The student selects a card and describes the target word
• Use or omit the printed clue words based on language level
• Other players guess the word
• Everyone earns a point when the word is guessed
• Movement on the game board or small reinforcers can be added for motivation

The clue words on the card often support students with word-finding difficulties by scaffolding semantic access.

Goal: Oral Vocabulary Definitions

Ideal for students targeting vocabulary depth and oral grammar.

• The student reads the target word and the two associated words
• They create an oral definition incorporating all three
• Example:
  “A blackboard is something teachers write on with chalk.”
• Use the game board, dice, or set a card goal (e.g., 10–15 cards per session) to maintain motivation

This task can be challenging, but it provides meaningful practice with definitions and sentence formulation.

Goal: EET (Expanding Expressions Tool)

This game pairs naturally with EET-based language instruction.

• The student reads the target word
• An EET cue (color or category) is selected
• The student provides a clue aligned with that semantic category
• Other players guess the word

This supports structured descriptions while keeping the activity interactive.

Goal: Articulation (Generalization)

Taboo works well as a generalization activity once sounds are established.

• Play using the standard rules (without the timer)
• Use a carrier phrase containing the student’s target sound
• The student produces the phrase before or during each turn

Sample carrier phrases:

• /θ/: “This word is…”
• /g/: “Get ready to guess…”
• /r/: “Are you ready?”
• /l/: “Let’s play…”

The added cognitive load helps encourage carryover into more automatic speech.

Final Thought

Taboo isn’t a replacement for evidence-based intervention—but when adapted thoughtfully, it becomes a high-impact tool for language practice, generalization, and engagement.

If you’re looking for more flexible, no-prep speech therapy materials like this, they’re all included inside the Speech Therapy Talk Membership.