We have often noticed that storytelling is something children are always fond of. Sequencing one event after the another, with enough connections and links that makes sense, is one of the greatest exercises for speech and language development.
Because it enables a child to glue together the broken pieces into a framework. Spark cards are 8 sequence sets of stories with 6 beautifully illustrated scene cards each.
The best speech therapists in the world suggest Spark Cards during their therapy sessions and for parents to practice at home.
Here are the 8 sequence sets of the whole package:
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Going to the library
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Preparing for a hurricane
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Setting up a lemonade stand
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Going to the vet
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Playing football
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Setting the table
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Going to the beach
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Planting flowers
All these 8 scenarios or situations have 6 cards each to be arranged by the child in proper order. There are also instructions, questions and problems given at the back of the cards.
Here is the full form of SPARK, with each letter aiming to achieve one or the other skills for children playing the cards.
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Sequencing and Sentence Formation: All the 6 cards available at each sequence set have to be properly arranged in order to complete the story that makes sense.
You can also complete the story with 3 or 4 cards for the simpler version of the story and add the others to make it complicated.
After the sequencing, children are asked by the parents or therapists to explain the story formation in sentences, helping them to build the story in their own language.
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Predicting and Problem Solving: Each sequence set has at least one or two problems to be solved by the child. The problems will be based on the characters in the story, “What would happen, if ? “ kind of hypothetical issues and children must identify, describe and solve with accuracy.
The solution can be said as a conversation between the characters or as a written exercise. Whatever the case, it is sure to increase the vocabulary and sentence formation of the child.
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Analyzing situations and Answering Questions: The cards are presented with many questions in the back of the guide cards.
Children must address each and every one of the questions, after analysing the situation and come up with brilliant answers.
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Retelling skills and Reasoning: After the child completes the story once in the simpler base structure, he/she is asked to retell the story with complicated plot giving rise to more developments in story, as well as the sentence structure of the child.
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Knowledge of Basic Concepts: Each of the sequence stories are of different regular life scenarios and provides a great deal of understanding and terminology relating to that situation.
“Going to the vet” sequence has words relating to guide dogs, different breeds of dog, Veterinary doctor etc “Playing Football” would provide basic knowledge about the game and so on.
These SPARK cards are extremely useful in enhancing your child’s speech and language skills.
Many top speech therapy centers in Dubai and other countries make use of them for their therapy sessions and would certainly recommend it to the parents for practice and fun at home.
