5 Great Tips for Creating a Speech Therapy Room Setup that Works
It’s never too early to think about next year’s speech therapy room setup— especially if you know your space is changing! Whether you are downsizing to a shared nook, moving into a new room, or finally getting a space of your own, your environment plays a huge role in how smoothly your day (and every therapy session) runs. With just a little planning, your space can transform into a place where students are calmer and you feel more “you”, no matter how large or small it is. It doesn’t have to be fancy or Pinterest-perfect to be a functional and
6 Easy & Fun Ways to Get Kids Moving: Using Movement in the Speech Room
As you wind down the school year, you probably notice your students getting extra wiggly! Or maybe you’re working with a few extra energetic kids over summer break, and the idea of sitting still at a table just isn’t cutting it. Either way, incorporating movement in the speech room can be a real game-changer! Not only does movement boost engagement, but it also taps into kinesthetic learning, helps regulate energy, and makes therapy feel more like play than work. Whether you choose to be indoors, outdoors, or somewhere in between, adding a little movement to your sessions can make a
4 Easy Steps for Packing Up Your Speech Room Before Summer
The end of the school year is coming to a close, and while it’s tempting to sprint out the door as soon as the final bell rings, taking some time to pack up your speech room will make your life so much easier when it’s time to start back this fall. Check out how to pack up your speech room in 4 easy steps to finish the year strong and set yourself up for a smooth start next year! Why Spend Time Organizing? Simply put, your future self will thank you! There’s nothing worse than returning to your classroom in
5 Reasons NOT to Use Themes in Speech Therapy— and Why That’s Okay!
As a pediatric SLP, you’re likely always looking for exciting ways to engage your clients and help them meet their goals. While themed therapy activities can be a fun and creative option, they aren’t always the best fit. Don’t worry— this doesn’t mean you are doing something bad! Instead, it’s about understanding when themes might serve your clients or yourself and finding the freedom to be more individualized and child-led. Consider these five reasons NOT to use themes in speech therapy and why this can be a positive change! Reasons NOT to Use Themes in Speech Therapy As an Amazon
6 Advantages to Using Themes in Speech Therapy (& a FREE Year-Long List!)
As a pediatric SLP, you know it can feel like a constant battle to keep therapy sessions engaging, effective, and organized. Planning sessions when you have students of different ages and with different goals and interests can feel overwhelming, too. Using themes in speech therapy is one of the most versatile tools you can use! Whether you’re working with preschoolers or elementary school students, themes help streamline planning, keep kids motivated, and make learning meaningful. Keep reading for more information about using themes in speech therapy and a done-for-you list of themes ready to use all year long! Using Themes
5 Great Summer Options for School SLPs: Start Planning Now!
As the spring months settle in, it’s the perfect time to start thinking ahead to summer. As a school-based SLP, you should make the most of your well-deserved summer break. Whether you’re considering a fabulous vacation, seeing clients privately, or a more creative summer venture, the earlier you decide, the better chance you have at success! Let’s check out 5 great summer options for school SLPs and learn how to best prepare for them now. Why Plan Now? It might feel too early to plan for summer, but making decisions now gives you time to research, prepare, and secure the
SLPs and Childhood Mental Health: 5 Powerful Ways to be Involved
It is becoming more well-known that mental health needs are on the rise in children, but when you think about your role as an SLP, you may wonder what you can really do about it. For many children, their ability to communicate and interact with the world around them is deeply intertwined with their emotional well-being. Don’t overlook the unique position you are in. SLPs and childhood mental health— it’s more important than ever to be involved! Mental Health in Children Today Anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges have been on the rise in children over the last decade. According to
4 Steps to Stay in Love with Your SLP Job
Working as an SLP is a calling that can feel both extremely rewarding and, at times, overwhelming. You’re making a huge difference in children’s lives as you support their growth and development and build important communication skills. But let’s be honest— between packed caseloads, scheduling woes, piles of paperwork, and getting caregivers on board, it can definitely feel like too much some days. The good news?… You’re in control of so much more than you realize! By focusing on a few key areas, you can rediscover how to stay in love with your SLP job! 1. Focus on the Big
5 of the Most Common Speech Sound Goals & How to Treat Them
Supporting young students in speech therapy is a rewarding process— but sometimes difficult as well. As an elementary SLP, you’re already familiar with the unique challenges that students face in mastering speech sound disorders. Intelligible speech is important for academic success, relationships with peers, and so much more. Let’s explore five of the most common speech sound goals, how to differentiate instruction for individual needs, and interactive resources you can use to help students reach these goals. What to Know about Speech Sound Disorders Before beginning therapy sessions with your students, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of both
An SLP’s Guide to Treating 5 of the Most Common Language Goals
If you feel like you’re in a Groundhog Day loop, there’s a good reason for it! Many of your students likely come to you with the same language goals, even if they need slightly different approaches. Language delays are found in children with a variety of needs and diagnoses, and it’s likely that you will need to address foundational skills for many students. Let’s dive into some of the most common language goals and identify engaging and effective ways to approach them! What You Need to Know About Language Delays Language delays are often associated with a variety of childhood
Encouragement for SLPs: Changing the World Through Caregiver Education
In the hustle and bustle of your daily life as a pediatric SLP, it’s easy to lose sight of the incredible impact you are making in the world. The stresses and challenges of being an SLP can sometimes cloud your vision, but it’s important to take time to remind yourself that you ARE changing the world! At the pediatric level, much of this change comes from the work you do with your clients’ caregivers. Caregiver education has transformative power! Don’t Lose Hope The demands of being an SLP can feel overwhelming at times. It feels like the documentation is endless,
3 IMPORTANT Considerations for SLPs: Choosing Continuing Education Courses Wisely
As a pediatric SLP, your dedication to ongoing learning is vital for providing the best care for your clients and their families. Continuing education (CE) not only enriches your practice but also ensures you stay up-to-date with the latest research and techniques in the field of speech-language pathology. With the vast options available, choosing continuing education courses wisely is important to best serve both yourself and your clients. 1. Understand What is Required of You Before diving headfirst into the depths of available CE courses, be sure you understand the specific requirements set by both your state and the American
Navigating the Current ASHA Fee Increase: Insights for Pediatric SLPs
Early in 2024, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) announced an impending increase in dues of $25 for certified members. The response has been nothing short of intense! The emotions of many SLPs have ranged from frustration to great disappointment to anger and more. As SLPs who care deeply about our profession, it’s important to consider the depth of this ASHA fee increase and how it impacts us all individually and collectively. ASHA’s Significance on the SLP Profession For many of us SLPs, our relationship with ASHA is a huge part of our career. It has been a: ASHA set many
How To Embrace & Nurture Your Identity as an SLP
You spend so much of your time investing in others– your clients, their families, your colleagues, your family… But are you investing in yourself? Let’s take a look at the depth of your identity as an SLP. Consider who you are beyond your professional title, and how to fully nurture yourself in the process! Your Professional Identity Let’s face it– it’s not uncommon for us as SLPs to closely identify with our job title. This deep connection often stems from the demanding journey of undergraduate and graduate education plus all that’s involved with licensure and certification. All of these coupled
4 PRACTICAL Tips to Share with Caregivers for Summer Speech Success
As you approach the summer months, it’s crucial to equip families with the tools they need to support their child’s speech and language development during this break. Here are 4 easy and practical tips to share with caregivers for summer speech success! 4 PRACTICAL Tips for Summer Speech Success Clarify Goals and Strategies First of all, it is important to make sure caregivers clearly understand their child’s specific diagnosis and goals. They also need to be fully aware of what types of prompts their child responds best to. This bundle set of Parent Education Handouts is a great resource to
4 Simple Ways to Celebrate National Speech-Language-Hearing Month
As May approaches, it’s time to consider ways to celebrate National Speech-Language-Hearing Month with your fellow SLPs, parents, and colleagues. Embracing Change National Speech-Language-Hearing Month was formally called Better Hearing and Speech Month. The shift to this new name is important for inclusivity and references the multifaceted roles you fulfill as an SLP. This change also recognizes the ever-changing landscape of the world of speech-language pathology. Embrace the change as an opportunity to amplify your voice for better advocacy and bring much-needed awareness to our fantastic profession! 4 Simple Ways to Celebrate National Speech-Language-Hearing Month 1. Promote the Field Take
3 Ways to Build Trust and Respect with Caregivers: A Guide for Pediatric SLPs
As a pediatric SLP, you understand the importance of gaining the trust and respect of your clients’ caregivers. Developing a strong rapport with parents is crucial for successful collaboration and implementation of treatment plans. While your (fabulous!) credentials may highlight your expertise, it’s your interpersonal skills and approach that will truly solidify your role as a trusted partner in a child’s communication journey. Read these 3 strategies you can begin to easily incorporate to build trust and respect with caregivers that lasts! 3 Ways to Build Trust and Respect with Caregivers 1. Active Listening One of the first steps in
3 Ways to Empower Caregivers in Speech Therapy
The journey of speech-language therapy can be overwhelming for families. As an SLP, it’s crucial to recognize the emotional challenges caregivers often face when their child is diagnosed with a communication delay or receives an unexpected medical diagnosis. Rather than assuming disinterest, it’s important to acknowledge their vulnerability and seek to empower them as integral members of the therapy process. Let’s go over 3 easy ways to empower caregivers in speech therapy– because they really do want to help! 3 Easy Ways to Empower Caregivers in Speech Therapy 1. Speak Simply Communicate simply with families by using easy-to-understand terms and
5 INGENIOUS Strategies to Empower Students in Speech Therapy
As you know, even the most intricately planned speech sessions and thought-out goals cannot overcome a student who is unmotivated in speech sessions. Figuring out how to empower students in speech therapy is a delicate balance of providing support while also promoting independence. As you address passivity, avoid being the sole motivator for success, reduce caregiver stress, establish quality home programs, and implement speech stations, you will set your speech students up for life-long success as they take control of their goals and learn to communicate effectively. Address Passivity to Empower Students in Speech Therapy Passive learners often struggle to
EASY Steps to Ensure Caregivers Feel Like an Integral Part of the IEP Process
Navigating the world of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) can feel overwhelming for caregivers, but the process can be more manageable with your help as an SLP! Let’s delve into how and why you should ensure caregivers feel like integral parts of the IEP process. I promise– everyone will be better for it! How & Why to Ensure Caregivers Feel Like an Integral Part of the IEP Process IEP Reminders Maybe you’re new to the school setting or are working with a different age than you previously have. Either way, it’s always good to review the basics before you begin to