Play-Based Early Language Assessment for Speech Therapy

Assess receptive and expressive language skills in a natural, engaging way with this play-based early language assessment for speech therapy. Designed for use with late talkers and preschool children with emerging language skills, this informal assessment uses toys and play to help therapists gather meaningful information without relying on highly structured testing tasks.

With printable, editable, and self-scoring digital formats included, this assessment is ideal for both face-to-face therapy and teletherapy sessions.

Please note: toys are required for this assessment and are not included.

⭐ Why therapists love this play-based assessment

• Play-based approach supports engagement and attention
• Ideal for late talkers and preschoolers with emerging language skills
• Informally assess receptive and expressive language
• Self-scoring digital version included
• Great for teletherapy and in-person sessions
• Flexible and easy to use during play

⭐ What’s included?

This resource includes three versions of the same informal assessment:

Printable assessment form

Print and complete by hand during sessions.

Editable digital PDF version

Complete directly on your computer using a PDF program such as Adobe Reader. Includes drop-down boxes to simplify scoring.

Please note: this version does not work on iPads.

Self-scoring Excel version

Includes automatic scoring and drop-down boxes to make tracking progress and scoring assessments faster and easier.

All versions include:

• Instructions
• Toy lists
• Assessment tips
• Receptive and expressive targets

⭐ What does this assessment target?

This informal early language assessment supports assessment of:

• Receptive language skills
• Expressive language skills
• Single words
• Short phrases
• Early semantic structures
• Play skills and spontaneous language samples

Tasks progress gradually from one key word level up to four key word level (KWL).

⭐ About Key Word Levels (KWL)

This assessment covers language targets from one key word level through to four key word level.

The Key Word Level approach is based on the number of Information Carrying Words within an instruction — the minimum amount of information a child needs to understand in order to follow or respond appropriately.

Receptive and expressive targets are included throughout the assessment.

1 Key Word Level includes:

• Familiar nouns
• Body parts
• Verbs
• Prepositions (in, on, under)

2 Key Word Level includes:

• Subject + verb phrases
• Possessor + possession
• Prepositions
• Size concepts (big/little)

3 Key Word Level includes:

• Subject + attribute + object phrases
• Subject + verb + object phrases
• Agent + action + locative structures

4 Key Word Level includes:

• Attribute + object + preposition + object
• Verb + attribute + subject + object structures

⭐ Perfect for:

• Speech and Language Therapists / Speech-Language Pathologists
• Early Intervention and preschool therapy
• Late talkers and children with emerging language skills
• Informal language assessment
• Teletherapy and in-person sessions
• Gathering spontaneous language samples during play

⭐ Flexible and play-based

Because the assessment uses toys and play interactions, it provides opportunities to:

• Observe spontaneous language
• Assess play skills
• Reduce pressure associated with structured testing
• Increase engagement and participation

This makes it particularly helpful for young children who may struggle with formal assessments.

⭐ References

This assessment was designed with research and established language frameworks in mind, including work related to:

• Communication milestones
• Information Carrying Words / Key Word Levels
• Early semantic structures

References are included within the resource.

Disclaimer

This informal assessment is designed for use by certified/licensed Speech-Language Pathologists and Speech and Language Therapists.

This assessment is not standardized and should not be used as a replacement for formal assessment tools or for diagnostic purposes. Professional judgement should always be used when interpreting results and making clinical decisions.

Toys required for administration are not included. Purchase includes assessment forms only.