Middle schoolers. They're a tricky age group, right? Caught between childhood and adolescence, these students are navigating a world full of changes—and when it comes to speech-language teletherapy, keeping them focused and engaged can feel like a feat. But with the right approach and the use of creative resources, you can turn your teletherapy sessions into something they look forward to. Let’s dive into how you can achieve just that.

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.

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.

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!

Looking for a fun and engaging project for your speech-language therapy sessions? Create menus with your students! This multi-session activity allows for creativity, language practice, and a finished product to take home. Take your time, pre-write sections, encourage silliness, and let students practice with each other. Target articulation, categories, critical thinking, describing, grammar, life skills, math, perspective-taking, problem-solving, vocabulary, and more. Get the free menu template and start this exciting project today!