Project Based Speech Therapy: Learning Through Real-life Projects

Day 17

When I think about what has helped me most in my recovery from stroke with aphasia, apraxia, and dysarthria, project-based speech therapy stands out.

It made sense to me right away—probably because I had used project-based learning for years when I was an adult literacy teacher. I never liked worksheets. I wanted my students to do things that mattered: write real letters, create presentations, or solve practical problems. It wasn’t just more fun—it helped learning stick.

I never imagined that one day I would become the student, using that same approach to relearn how to communicate.

Starting Small: My First Projects

In the beginning, my goals were simple—but huge.

As I look back, my very first “project” was assigned by my third Speech therapist. I was to go to the grocery store and ask for one item.

It took several steps to get there:

• Choosing the item (sauerkraut - an extremely hard word for me)

• Practicing its name

• Writing down a short script of what I wanted to say

• Rehearsing it over and over

• Finally going to the store, speaking the sentence, and listening for the reply

  
  

It wasn’t just an exercise—it was a real success. I even took a photo to show my speech-language pathologist.

From there, my projects grew: more words, more steps, more independence. Eventually, I even created a presentation for hospital staff about my experience as a stroke survivor.

Each project used all four language skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing—and gave me a real reason to communicate.

Discovering the Term “Project-Based Therapy”

It wasn’t until I saw the documentary PAH that I realized this approach actually had a name. Coleman Watson and his speech therapist used the same method while he worked on his film.

That’s when it clicked—this is what I’ve been doing all along!

Why Projects Work

Here’s why project-based speech therapy is so powerful:

• It’s real life. You practice communication in meaningful ways.

• It’s motivating. You end up with something to show—a letter, a note, a video, or a story.

• It’s measurable. You can see progress with each completed project.

• It’s flexible. It works at every stage of recovery.

• It builds confidence. Success in real situations changes how you see yourself.

  
  

Getting Started with Your Own Project

If you’d like to try project-based therapy, here’s how to begin:

1. Choose a project that matters to you.Maybe it’s writing a thank-you note, reading a short story aloud, or recording a message for a loved one.

2. Set a clear goal.Be specific: “I will record a 30-second video introducing myself by Friday.”

3. Break it into smaller steps.What skills will you need—speaking, reading, writing, listening? (Usually, it’s all four!)

4. Work with support.A speech therapist, friend, or family member can help you plan and practice.

5. Celebrate your success.Whether it’s a finished note, a short video, or a conversation—it’s progress that’s real.

   
   

✅ Reflection for You

What’s one real-life project you could try this week to practice communication?

Could you:

• Write a short note to someone?

• Make a phone call?

• Order your own coffee?

• Organize a small activity with family or friends?

Start small. Build confidence. Let your projects move you forward.

#blogboost

Note: Because aphasia makes speaking, reading, and writing more challenging, I use tools like ChatGPT to help me organize my thoughts, check for consistency, and make sure my writing is clear and cohesive. Technology has become an important part of how I share my story and continue my recovery.