Ah, the back-to-school season! It’s both exhilarating and slightly nerve-wracking, for students and SLPs alike. The beginning of the academic year is not just about fresh pencils and shiny new planners; it’s about renewing our commitment to the students we serve. The start of the school year offers a unique opportunity to set the stage for meaningful progress, making it an exciting time to refocus and strategize.

Engaging reluctant students in school-based speech therapy can be challenging, yet worth every bit of effort. Successful speech therapy lies in the students' active participation and enthusiasm. Without engagement, progress slows, and the benefits of therapy may dwindle. So, how do we capture and hold the interest of those who are hesitant?

Play-based learning is a fundamental approach in speech therapy that leverages children's natural inclination towards play to foster speech and language development. Unlike traditional methods, which may rely heavily on structured exercises, play-based learning integrates therapeutic goals into interactive and enjoyable activities. This approach recognizes that children learn best when they are actively engaged and motivated.

Adapting traditional activities for virtual sessions will save you time, money, and headaches. The shift to virtual speech therapy sessions has posed unique challenges for SLPs accustomed to traditional face-to-face interactions. However, with these challenges come opportunities to explore new digital tools that can improve engagement and effectiveness in therapy sessions.

As with any kind of therapy, home practice is often helpful for successful outcomes. It's not just the sessions with the therapist that make a difference; what happens at home significantly impacts a child's progress. When parents are equipped with effective home practice materials, they can provide essential support and reinforcement, fostering an environment where their child's communication skills can flourish.

In today's digital age, where screens seem to dominate every aspect of our lives, it's easy for children to become immersed in technology. However, as SLPs and caregivers, we're often concerned about the potential negative effects of excessive screen time on children's development. One area of particular concern is language enrichment. In this article, we'll explore the importance of language development and provide creative alternatives to screen time that promote language enrichment and reduce reliance on digital devices.

Speech and language development play a crucial role in the overall growth of young children. During the summer break, maintaining consistent practice can be challenging for caregivers. However, embedding language activities into daily routines can make speech practice effortless and enjoyable for children.

In the scorching heat of summer, you may find yourself facing the challenge of keeping kids entertained indoors. However, sweltering summer days present an excellent opportunity to engage children in indoor activities to occupy them and foster their language development skills. This post aims to provide a comprehensive guide to indoor language activities that caregivers can enjoy with their children during the heat of summer.

From expanding vocabulary to fostering comprehension skills, books serve as invaluable tools for nurturing the linguistic abilities of children. As we venture forth into the realm of summer reading, let's uncover the treasures that lie within the pages of books and discover the magic of language growth through reading.

Summer is the perfect time to head outdoors and engage in activities that bring joy and boost communication skills in children. From nature walks to beach days, there are numerous opportunities to foster language development and social interaction while enjoying the sunshine. In this article, we'll explore 10 fun outdoor activities that can significantly contribute to enhancing communication skills during the summer months.

Discover the joy of taking speech therapy sessions outdoors with these engaging activities. From nature scavenger hunts to outdoor role-play and language games, these activities target various speech and language goals. Tailor them to your clients' needs and make learning effective and enjoyable. Let nature be your therapy backdrop for a refreshing and engaging experience.

Discover the benefits of taking speech therapy sessions outdoors. From physical health and sensorimotor development to language enrichment and social skills, outdoor activities enhance therapy outcomes. The novelty and engagement of the outdoor environment create a fresh context for learning. Prioritize safety and individual needs for a stimulating and effective outdoor therapy experience.

Discover the excitement of incorporating scavenger hunts into your speech therapy sessions. Whether indoors or outdoors, scavenger hunts keep clients engaged while targeting speech and language goals. Find themed resources on TPT, adapt tasks to individual needs, and watch as clients light up with enthusiasm. Scavenger hunts add a dynamic and interactive twist to therapy, fostering progress and enjoyment. Try it out and experience the adventure firsthand!

Discover the versatility of the Expanding Expression Tool (EET) for teaching language skills, specifically comparing and contrasting. With its visual and interactive approach, the EET breaks down complex concepts into manageable parts. SLPs can use Venn Diagrams and colored beads to help clients identify similarities and differences. Real-life examples, objects, and stories enhance the learning experience. The EET is a valuable tool recommended by SLPs for developing strong language skills and effective communication. Check out the research and consider training options available. Unlock the power of the EET in your therapy sessions!

Engaging middle schoolers in speech-language therapy can be a challenge, but fear not! Online game-style activities like EdPuzzle and Jeopardy Labs promote teamwork while covering various topics. Activities like Mad Libs and Would You Rather work on grammar, reasoning, and articulation, keeping the group entertained and engaged. Reading books or using ReadWorks audio stories highlights target vocabulary and comprehension questions. These tried and true favorites make therapy fun while addressing individual goals.

Trashketball is a fast-paced, engaging, and affordable activity that can be adapted for therapy sessions with students of various ages. The game involves throwing trash, such as crumpled-up paper, into a trash can for points. Clearly posted rules are essential to maintain order, and students must participate in drilling before taking their shots. Options for materials, scoring methods, and goal targeting provide flexibility. Trashketball can be used to target articulation, listening comprehension, categories, social scenarios, describing, and compare/contrast skills. It's a fun and interactive game that keeps students motivated and excited while working on their therapy goals.

Functional challenges can be a valuable addition to speech therapy sessions, helping students develop important life skills. By clarifying that these challenges won't take away from therapy time, SLPs can focus on IEP goals while encouraging students to learn and demonstrate functional skills independently. Challenges can be practiced at home, with SpEd teachers, or during OT sessions. Examples of challenges include birthday, address, and phone number recognition, signature writing, coin identification, analog clock reading, shoe tying, recipe reading, and community/safety sign recognition.

Smarty Symbols is a valuable resource that I highly recommend for SLPs. With over 20,000 images, it covers a wide range of vocabulary. The game creation feature allows for interactive and engaging activities. The printing center is perfect for customizing activities quickly. The activity library offers a vast collection of pre-made resources. Overall, Smarty Symbols is a must-have tool for SLPs looking to enhance their therapy sessions.

The first week of speech can be overwhelming. Get organized with an SLP planner, learn about students through engaging activities, introduce yourself to parents, set up a reward system, review goals, and end with fun games like Would You Rather. Start the year off right!

I recently discovered that my SLP Now subscription is just as valuable with my middle school caseload. Non-fiction units provide engaging articles and activities for a variety of language goals. Video activities offer a multimedia approach to therapy. Skill-based lessons, such as inferences and narratives, provide systematic teaching and practice. Vocational skill units are perfect for preparing students for post-secondary life. SLP Now is a must-have resource for SLPs working with older students!