Pete the Cat Activities for Speech and Language

The Pete the Cat series by Eric Litwin has become quite extensive, and kids love these books. In addition, many of the stories are great for targeting speech, language, and learning goals. First, these Pete the Cat activities add simple, hands-on tools to the original book, Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes, to build communication skills. Also, each activity uses simple materials you can make at home.

Pete the Cat Activities for Speech and Language

You can combine the story with extra activities to enrich learning and make it more fun for your child. Below are three activities, each designed for a different kind of learner. Meet the author in our author spotlight on Pete the Cat and other favorites.

Activity 1: Pete the Cat and His Shoes (Great for Requesting)

As Pete steps in different things throughout the book, his shoes change color. For example, your child can change the color of Pete’s shoes along with the story. This makes reading more interactive. In addition, it gives your child a chance to practice requesting. For instance, depending on your child’s level, they can request “shoes,” “red shoes,” or “I want red shoes.”

To prepare the materials:

1. Draw or print a picture of Pete and a set of shoes in each color from the book (red, blue, brown, white, and so on).
2. Cut out Pete and the shoes, then laminate them.
3. Place a soft piece of velcro on each shoe that Pete is wearing.
4. Place a hard piece of velcro on each extra shoe.

Activity 2: Stepping With Pete (Great for Active Kids)

Throughout the book, you and your child can step on the same things that Pete steps on. This makes the reading experience more active and engaging. In addition, it allows for movement and gives your child practice sequencing events by putting the items in order. To prepare, draw or print a picture of each thing Pete steps in (strawberries, blueberries, mud, and so on), cut them out, and laminate them. Lay them on the floor in the order they appear in the story.

Activity 3: Add Visual Support to the Book (Great for Nonverbal Children and AAC Users)

Because picture symbols make the story easier to follow and join, make simple picture symbols to adapt your book.

1. Draw or print a picture symbol for each key item in the story, such as a strawberry, and for each color word. Cut them out and laminate them.
2. Attach hard velcro to the back of each picture symbol.
3. Attach soft velcro inside the book on each page that matches a symbol. For example, the “strawberry” symbol goes on the pile of strawberries.
4. Put the same symbols on one laminated page to use as a communication board.

You can use the symbols in many ways, depending on your child’s level. They work well for answering questions, following along with the book, telling pictures apart, and keeping attention. As a result, reading becomes a more active game of matching the symbols to the pictures. You can also use the communication board to model language throughout the book.

Targeting Speech Sounds With Pete the Cat

You can also target your child’s speech sounds while reading. For example, this story is great for the “sh” sound (shoes), the “st” sound (step in), and the “s” sound (singing, song). If your child enjoys coloring, let them color their own Pete and shoes to use in the activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can Pete the Cat activities help speech and language?

The activities add requesting, sequencing, and sound practice to a story your child already loves. In addition, hands-on pieces keep children engaged.

Can I use these activities with a child who is nonverbal?

Yes. The picture symbols and communication board let children answer questions and join the story without speaking. This is especially helpful for AAC users.

Which speech sounds can I practice with this book?

For example, try “sh” in shoes, “st” in step in, and “s” in singing and song.

How ETLC Can Help

If your child struggles to communicate, our speech-language pathologists can build a plan that fits their needs. Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center has locations in Johnston and North Liberty, IA, with virtual services also available.

Learn more about speech and language therapy at ETLC or schedule a free consultation to talk with a member of our team.

You may also find these pages helpful:

• Author Spotlight: Books That Build Language
• Speech and Language Through Play
• Read the Same Book Again? Why Kids Do It

About the Author

Sonia Strueby, M.A., CCC-SLP, is the founder of Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center. With over 25 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist, Sonia has dedicated her career to helping children overcome complex communication and academic challenges. She has advanced training and a special focus on treating dyslexia and childhood apraxia of speech, and she is passionate about providing families with a clear path to success.