March Madness for Speech Therapy?

Why not? Everyone loves a good game. The speech language pathologists at Better Speech love March Madness because even if you are not one of the "mad"college basketball fans, you and your child can still participate in the magic.

So here are three of our favorite ways to target language skills during March Madness.

1. March Madness Mascots - Which is Your Favorite and Why?

College basketball is full of some wacky characters. Here is a link to some of the weirdest mascots in college basketball. Take a look and pick your favorite. Then ask your child the following questions (you can model yourself answering the questions as well so they can hear what a reply might sound like):

What do you think a mascot is?

Why does a team have a mascot?

Which is your favorite?

What do you like/not like about them?

Why are they your favorite?

March Madness is a great time to learn new things.

2. What are They Thinking and Feeling?

We love watching videos without anyone talking. It gives our little clients a chance to look at body language to try to figure out what is happening. Take a look at this video clip of some of the opening moments of previous March Madness games.

Ask your child why the mascots are behaving the way that they are? What are they saying to the people in the crowd, to their team, or to the other team?

3. Figurative Language Fun

There is a lot of figurative language around March Madness. You can talk to your child about what these might mean and why we use them to talk about the game.

First, define what figurative language is and give them some examples. It's when you use a word or phrase that does not have a literal or normal, everyday meaning. Some examples are:

It's raining cats and dogs.

She slept like a log.

The wind howled.

Here are some terms you can talk about with your child relating to March Madness:

Final 4

Basketball fever

Cinderella story

March Madness

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 'March Madness' for speech therapy and why does it matter?

March Madness for speech therapy refers to the annual rush of families and adults seeking evaluations and services before the end of the school year or insurance benefit period. Starting therapy in March gives clients several months of consistent sessions before summer, which can lead to meaningful progress. Acting early means fewer delays and more time to build real communication skills.

How do I know if my child actually needs speech therapy right now?

Look for signs like difficulty being understood by others, frustration when communicating, skipping sounds in words, or struggling to follow multi-step directions. If you have noticed these patterns for several months, a speech-language evaluation is a smart next step. A licensed speech-language pathologist can assess your child and clarify whether therapy is needed or if development is on track.

Is online speech therapy effective, or should I wait for an in-person opening?

Research consistently shows that online speech therapy produces outcomes comparable to in-person sessions for most speech and language goals. Teletherapy also removes commute time and allows sessions in the comfort of home, which often helps children feel more relaxed and engaged. Waiting for an in-person slot can mean losing months of valuable practice time, so online care is worth serious consideration.

Will my insurance cover speech therapy sessions if I start now?

Most major insurance plans cover speech therapy when it is deemed medically necessary and provided by a licensed speech-language pathologist. Better Speech works with many insurance providers and offers licensed, insurance-ready care with no waitlists, so you can get started quickly without the typical administrative headaches. Check your plan's benefits and deductible status, since starting in March may help you maximize benefits before the year resets.

How many speech therapy sessions will my child need before seeing real progress?

Progress timelines vary based on the type and severity of the speech or language concern, the child's age, and how consistently home practice is done. Many families notice meaningful improvements within 8 to 12 sessions when practice activities are reinforced at home between appointments. Your speech-language pathologist will set clear, measurable goals and update them as your child advances, so you always know where things stand.

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About the Author

Aycen Zambuto

I’m a seasoned educator in speech therapy with over six years of experience helping people navigate challenges in communication. Throughout this time, I’ve found joy in guiding individuals through a variety of therapeutic journeys, from toddlers with apraxia to seniors with dysphonia.

I’m passionate about demystifying this complex world of speech therapy and helping readers around the globe achieve clear and effective communication. When I’m not writing about speech, you’ll often find me reading, traveling or spending time with friends and family.