Valentine’s Speech Therapy Activity: DIY Conversation Hearts

Valentine’s Speech Therapy Activity: DIY Conversation Hearts

Looking for a fun, festive way to practice speech and language this Valentine’s season? This DIY Conversation Hearts activity is a simple, engaging way to encourage communication skills while keeping things playful and low-pressure.

This activity is easy to set up, inexpensive, and adaptable for a wide range of ages and skill levels. Best of all, it turns practice into something your child looks forward to.

What You’ll Need

• Paper hearts (or cardstock cut into heart shapes)

• A marker or pen

• Conversation heart candy (or another small treat)

• A small bowl or container

How to Play

1. Create Your Hearts
Write letter sounds, target words, or short phrases on each paper heart. Tailor them to your child’s current goals:

• Articulation: /k/, /s/, /r/, blends, etc.

• Language: verbs, adjectives, or who, what, where, when, how and why questions

• Fluency or voice: slow rate cues or gentle reminders

2. Practice & Earn
Have your child pick a paper heart and practice what’s written on it.
For every accurate attempt or best effort they earn a real conversation heart candy (or small reward).

3. Repeat & Reinforce
Keep the activity short and encouraging. The goal is positive repetition, not perfection. Even a few minutes of focused practice can make a difference.

Ways to Adapt This Activity

This activity can grow with your child and be adjusted for different skill areas:

• Articulation: Say the target sound 3–5 times, or use it in a word or sentence

• Expressive Language: Use the word in a sentence or describe something “sweet.”

• Receptive Language: Follow directions (e.g., “Put the heart under the cup”)

• Pragmatics (social skills): Practice taking turns, giving compliments, or making polite requests

Caregiver Tip

If you’re trying to take an extra step with speech therapy at home, especially during busy seasons or school break activities, this helps keep practice consistent, motivating, and stress-free.

Short, playful practice sessions often lead to better engagement and stronger carryover than longer, more structured drills.

How Grace Therapy Collective Can Help

More Than Words Speech and Language Therapy is a division of Grace Therapy Collective. We provide personalized assessment and intervention designed to support each individual’s unique communication needs. Through articulation exercises, language development activities, and fluency support, our goal is to foster effective communication and build confidence.

Seeking speech therapy for your child can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our team is here to offer guidance, encouragement, and practical tools every step of the way.

Want more at-home practice ideas or support setting goals for your child?
Visit our contact page to learn more or schedule an appointment.