Resource Reviews: Uno
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 Uno?
UNO is a popular card game where players match cards based on color or number and try to be the first to discard all their cards. Special action cards like Skip, Reverse, Draw Two, and Wild add strategy and unpredictability to the game. The main goal is to empty your hand, and when you have only one card left, you must shout “UNO!”
Age Range
The suggested age range for Uno is 6 years and older. Experience would suggest children aged 6–12 benefit most, but it can also be adapted for teenagers. Play time can vary, anywhere from 5-30 minutes, which is ideal for therapy sessions or quick matches after school.
Who Is Uno For?
Children with speech sound disorders: Practice articulation targets while playing.
Children with language delays: Develop vocabulary, sentence structures, and sequencing skills.
Kids working on turn-taking and social skills: Supports social communication goals.
Children with attention difficulties: Short rounds and frequent shifts in the game keep them engaged.
Who Is Uno Not For?
Children who struggle with color recognition or basic number knowledge (unless adapted).
Kids with low frustration tolerance may find it hard to cope with the unpredictability of action cards.
Non-verbal children may not benefit unless modified to allow for alternative communication methods.
Suggested Therapy Goals
Speech Sound Production
During their turn, players can practice saying target words or phrases, such as naming card colors (e.g., “blue,” “green”) or numbers.
An example is a child working on the /s/ sound can say “skip” or “seven” each time they play an appropriate card.
Vocabulary and Language Development
Players can practice basic concepts by naming the different cards and actions. Introduce sentence frames: “I have a [number] [color] card,” or “I will play the [Reverse] card.”
Encourage sequencing by having the child describe the steps they took during their turn (e.g., "First, I drew a card. Then, I played my yellow eight.").
Turn-Taking and Social Skills
Practicing waiting turns and understanding game rules helps with social pragmatics.
Use social scripts like:
“Your turn now.”
“I’ll play this card.”
“Oh no, you skipped me!”
Attention and Turn-Taking
Players have to wait for their turn and follow the game rules, which practices taking turns.
You can introduce a "think before you play" strategy by asking the child to explain their move before playing it.
Extension Ideas for Home/Class
Create Custom UNO Cards
Add extra cards with target words or phrases for children working on speech goals.
Include images or words related to class themes (e.g., animals, seasons) to make it more engaging.
Use Visual Supports
For children with communication difficulties, provide visual cards or cues with phrases like “My turn,” “Skip,” or “Draw Two.”
Use a color/number chart for kids who need support recognizing colors and numbers.
Incorporate Storytelling
At the end of the game, have the child create a short story about their experience. E.g., “Once upon a time, I had all blue cards. Then I got a Wild card, and everything changed…”
Modify for Pair or Group Therapy
Use teams to encourage collaboration and turn-taking within a small group.
Have peers give each other positive feedback after a round, reinforcing social interaction skills.
UNO with a Twist
Add a rule where, every time someone plays an action card, they must say a sentence or answer a question related to their therapy goal.
For example: “I played Draw Two! Now I have to name two things that are red.”
Final Thoughts
Fun Factor: 4/5. A quick game to learn and fun to play with most ages, but randomness of cards can be frustrating for younger players.
Replayability: 5/5. Game can last as long or as short as you need depending on child’s attention. Multiple different version and '‘house rule’ changes extended the replayability.
Adaptability to Therapy: 5/5. Several goals can be worked on with Uno. A very flexible but fun ‘in the moment’ therapy game, which still keeps kids entertained.
Final Score: 4.6/5. A great game only held back it some inherent randomness that can make it frustrating for some younger audiences.
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
UNO Card Game
Uno is a quick to pick up but hard to master game that is often still played by adults long after childhood. The building ‘tension’ as the tower gets more wobbly and the anticipation of the collapse are all part of the fun! Click on the picture to find out more.