Resource Reviews: Pop Up Pirate

Note: All our reviews are based on clinical experience in face to face sessions with paediatric populations. We only review resources we have experience using, are well regarded in the speech language pathologist world, and have lots of uses in therapy sessions for numerous different therapy goals.

What is Pop Up Pirate?

Pop Up Pirate is a simple, fun, and engaging game where players take turns inserting plastic swords into a barrel. Inside the barrel is a pirate figure that "pops up" when a sword is inserted into the correct slot. The exact slot is random, which adds a fun element of surprise and excitement. The game doesn’t require reading or complicated instructions, making it accessible for younger children.

Age Range

The game is recommended for children ages 4 and up. It's well-suited for preschoolers, early school-aged children (4-7 years), and even older children who enjoy quick, interactive games. However, due to the small parts (swords), it’s not recommended for very young children under 3 due to choking hazards.

Who Is Pop Up Pirate For?

• Children with Speech and Language Delays: The game is ideal for children who need to work on speech articulation, expressive language, receptive language, or social communication skills.

• Children Working on Social Skills: Since it involves turn-taking, it’s great for children who need practice waiting their turn, sharing, and interacting with peers.

• Children Who Enjoy Hands-On Games: The tactile aspect of placing the swords is engaging for children who benefit from interactive, physical play.

Who Is Pop Up Pirate Not For?

• Children with Sensory Difficulties: The popping motion of the pirate might startle some children with sensory processing issues. If a child is sensitive to sudden movements or surprises, this game might cause anxiety.

• Very Young Children (under 3): The game contains small plastic swords, which can be a choking hazard for toddlers or babies. It's also not suited to children who lack the fine motor skills to manipulate small pieces.

• Children with Fine Motor Difficulties: If a child struggles with fine motor control, they may find it difficult to insert the swords into the barrel, leading to frustration.

Suggested Therapy Goals

1. Turn-Taking and Social Communication
   One of the key social communication skills this game fosters is turn-taking. Children can practice waiting for their turn, asking whose turn is next, and giving instructions to others. These interactions help build social communication skills that are critical in everyday interactions.

2. Articulation and Speech Sound Practice
   The game can be adapted to focus on specific sounds that a child may be working on, such as the /p/ sound in "pirate" or "pop," or the /s/ sound in "sword." Before taking their turn, a child can practice saying target words or sentences with their speech sounds, reinforcing correct articulation in a fun way.

3. Expressive Language
   During the game, encourage children to talk about their actions, describe the color of the sword they choose, and predict when the pirate might pop up. This builds vocabulary and enhances their ability to use language expressively.

4. Receptive Language
   You can use the game to practice following multi-step directions. For example, you can ask the child to "pick the red sword and put it in the middle slot." This strengthens their ability to understand and follow instructions, which is an important receptive language skill.

5. Color and Counting Concepts
   The different colored swords can be used to reinforce color recognition and counting skills. After each turn, the therapist or parent can ask the child to count how many swords have been inserted or identify which colors have been used.

6. Predictive Language and Critical Thinking
   Children can be encouraged to guess or predict which sword will make the pirate pop. This kind of reasoning practice helps build critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while also promoting verbal reasoning.

Extension Ideas for Home/Class

1. Storytelling and Imaginative Play
   After the pirate pops up, you can ask the child to create a story about what happens next. This can help develop narrative skills and encourage imaginative language use. The child can describe where the pirate is going or what treasure he is looking for, promoting creative thinking.

2. Vocabulary Expansion
   Use pirate-related themes to build vocabulary. For example, you can teach words like "ship," "crew," "treasure," or "island." Incorporate these words into conversation during the game or use them as target words for speech practice.

3. Custom Turn-Taking Rules
   Create custom rules based on speech goals. For example, each time a child takes a turn, they have to say a sentence with their target speech sound, or they have to follow a specific instruction using new vocabulary words. This reinforces learning while keeping the game dynamic and interesting.

4. Pirate-Themed Articulation Practice
   Use pirate-themed objects (such as toy coins or pictures) to reinforce articulation practice. For each correct sound production, the child earns a coin, and after the game, they can "buy" something with their pirate coins. This makes articulation practice motivating and rewarding.

Final Thoughts

• Fun Factor: 5/5. A simple and fun game for younger kids

• Replayability: 4/5. An easy to pick up game that is only hampered by limited replayability with older audiences.

• Adaptability to Therapy: 5/5. Numerous goals and targets can be worked on (articulation, receptive and expressive language) with this highly flexible game.

• Final Score: 4.6/5. This game is a speech pathology ‘classic’ for a reason!

Please note the above information is general in nature and is not intended as professional medical advice. Please seek an appointment with a registered speech-language pathologist if you are at all worried about your child's development.

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Suggested Resources

Pop Up Pirate Board Game

Pop Up Pirate is a simple, fun, and engaging game where players take turns inserting plastic swords into a barrel. Inside the barrel is a pirate figure that "pops up" when a sword is inserted into the correct slot. Click on the picture to find out more.