Step-by-Step Drawing, Step-by-Step Communication Growth
Directed Drawing: A Multi-Skill Approach to Speech and Language Development
In speech therapy, keeping children engaged while targeting essential communication skills can sometimes be challenging. One highly effective and enjoyable approach is directed drawing a structured activity where the therapist provides step-by-step instructions to create a picture. What may seem like a simple art task actually becomes a powerful tool to develop a wide range of speech and language skills.
Directed drawing combines creativity with learning, making therapy sessions more interactive, meaningful, and fun. It allows children to listen, process, and respond all while actively participating in a hands-on activity.
What is Directed Drawing?
Directed drawing involves guiding a child through a sequence of instructions to complete a drawing. For example, the therapist might say, “Draw a big circle,” followed by “Add two small eyes,” and “Draw a smiling mouth.” Each step builds on the previous one, encouraging the child to follow directions and stay engaged.
This structured approach makes it easier to incorporate specific therapy goals while maintaining a playful environment.
Why is Directed Drawing Effective in Speech Therapy?
Directed drawing supports multiple areas of communication development at the same time:
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Listening and comprehension: Children learn to attend to and understand verbal instructions
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Following directions: Helps improve the ability to process multi-step commands
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Vocabulary development: Introduces new words related to shapes, actions, and descriptions
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Articulation practice: Provides opportunities to repeat target sounds in a natural context
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Sequencing skills: Encourages understanding of order (first, next, last)
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Expressive language: Promotes describing, explaining, and storytelling
Because it integrates several skills into one activity, directed drawing is both efficient and engaging.
Speech and Language Goals You Can Target
Directed drawing can be easily adapted to meet individual therapy goals:
1. Following Directions
Start with one-step instructions and gradually increase complexity:
• “Draw a square”
• “Draw a small triangle on top of the square”
2. Spatial Concepts
Teach position words such as:
• Above, below, next to, inside, under
3. Vocabulary Building
Introduce and reinforce:
• Shapes (circle, rectangle)
• Actions (draw, colour, trace)
• Descriptive words (big, tiny, long, short)
4. Articulation
Incorporate target sounds into the drawing:
• /s/ words: sun, snake
• /k/ words: kite, cat
• /b/ words: ball, bird
5. Sequencing and Retelling
Ask the child to repeat the steps:
• “What did we draw first?”
• “What comes next?”
6. Narrative Skills
Encourage storytelling:
• “Tell me about your picture”
• “Who is in your drawing? What are they doing?”
How to Use Directed Drawing in a Session
To make the most of this activity:
• Begin with simple and familiar drawings (face, house, tree)
• Use clear, short, and structured instructions
• Model each step when necessary
• Provide repetition and gentle correction
• Encourage the child to give instructions back to you
• Expand the activity into conversation or storytelling
The goal is not perfection in drawing, but participation and communication.
Fun and Engaging Activity Ideas
Directed drawing can be easily adapted to different themes:
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Draw a Funny Monster: Great for practicing body parts and descriptive language
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Create a Scene: Park, beach, or home to build vocabulary and narratives
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Story Drawing: Draw a character and create a simple story around it
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Guess the Drawing Game: Encourage prediction and expressive language
