The Benefits of Group vs. One-on-One Speech Therapy for Kids
At Be Me Services, we recognize that every child has a unique communication journey. Speech therapy plays a crucial role in helping children develop essential language skills, but parents often wonder: Should my child receive one-on-one speech therapy or participate in group speech therapy?
Both options offer significant benefits, but choosing the right approach depends on your child's specific needs. Some children thrive in a personalized setting, while others benefit from social interaction with peers. In this blog, we’ll explore the key differences, advantages, and considerations to help you determine which type of speech therapy is best for your child.
What Is One-on-One Speech Therapy?
One-on-one speech therapy is a structured, individualized session between a child and a speech-language therapist. This approach allows for personalized intervention tailored to the child’s specific speech and language challenges.
Benefits of One-on-One Speech Therapy
Personalized Attention
With one-on-one speech therapy, the therapist can fully focus on your child’s unique needs. Whether the child is working on articulation, fluency, or language comprehension, every session is tailored to address their specific challenges.
Faster Progress and Targeted Intervention
Since the therapist works directly with the child, progress can often be faster compared to group sessions. The therapist provides instant feedback, adjusts activities based on progress, and ensures that each session is optimized for improvement.
Best for Severe Speech Challenges
Children with severe speech delays, apraxia of speech, or articulation disorders often require intensive, targeted intervention that is only possible in a one-on-one setting. The therapist can introduce specialized techniques to help the child overcome difficulties.
Comfortable Environment for Shy or Anxious Children
Some children feel anxious speaking in front of others. A private setting allows them to build confidence in a low-pressure environment before applying their skills in social situations.
More Flexibility in Therapy Goals
With individual therapy, the therapist can modify goals based on progress, ensuring that the child moves at their own pace. Parents also receive regular updates and guidance on home-based practice.
While one-on-one speech therapy offers highly personalized support, some children benefit from peer interaction and the dynamic learning environment of group speech therapy.
What Is Group Speech Therapy?
Group speech therapy involves a small group of children working on speech and language skills together under the guidance of a speech-language therapist. Sessions include interactive activities, role-playing, and peer-based communication exercises.
Benefits of Group Speech Therapy
Enhances Social Communication Skills
In group speech therapy, children learn how to:
Take turns in conversations
Maintain eye contact
Respond to peers appropriately
For children struggling with pragmatic language skills, this setting provides a real-life communication experience.
Boosts Confidence in Speaking
Speaking in a group helps children become more confident. Seeing peers with similar challenges fosters motivation, making them feel less isolated and more encouraged to participate.
Encourages Peer Learning
Children learn from one another by:
Observing different speech patterns
Listening to how others form sentences
Practicing conversational exchanges
This natural learning process reinforces communication skills in a way that one-on-one therapy may not always achieve.
Makes Learning More Engaging
Group sessions incorporate fun activities, such as:
Storytelling
Interactive speech games
Role-playing exercises
This play-based approach makes learning exciting and engaging, keeping children motivated throughout therapy.
Prepares Children for Real-Life Social Situations
Since most communication occurs in social settings—schools, playgrounds, family gatherings—group therapy mimics real-world interactions, making it a practical way to develop functional communication skills.
However, group speech therapy may not be suitable for children who need individualized, intensive intervention. Some children may benefit from a combination of both approaches.
Which Speech Therapy Approach Is Right for Your Child?
The decision between one-on-one speech therapy and group speech therapy depends on several factors, including:
The Severity of Speech Challenges
Severe speech delays or articulation disorders: One-on-one therapy is best.
Mild speech delays or social communication challenges: Group therapy may work well.
Your Child’s Learning Style
If your child learns best through structured, individualized instruction, one-on-one therapy is ideal.
If they thrive in social settings and learn from peers, group therapy is beneficial.
Confidence Level
A shy or anxious child may need one-on-one therapy first before transitioning to group therapy.
A child who enjoys social interaction can start with group therapy right away.
Therapy Goals
If the goal is to correct specific speech errors, one-on-one therapy works best.
If the focus is on practical communication and social interaction, group therapy is a better option.
At Be Me Services, we assess each child’s speech and language needs before recommending the best approach.
Can a Child Benefit from Both One-on-One and Group Therapy?
Yes. In many cases, a combined approach works best. Here’s how:
Start with One-on-One Therapy: Helps the child develop foundational speech skills with focused intervention.
Transition to Group Therapy: Once confident, the child can practice their skills in a social setting.
Continue with Both, If Needed: Some children benefit from ongoing individual support while also attending group therapy for social communication practice.
This flexible approach ensures that children get the best of both worlds.
Find the Right Speech Therapy for Your Child at Be Me Services
At Be Me Services, we provide individualized speech therapy plans tailored to your child’s unique needs. Whether they need the structured support of one-on-one therapy or the interactive benefits of group sessions, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to schedule an assessment and discover the best therapy approach for your child.
Let’s work together to build strong communication skills for a brighter future.