Articulation Word Wheels are a different and fun way to collect data during and monitor progress over time. I, like many of you, must collect a large amount of data in order to continue to plan and provide effective therapy. I feel as though I have used every data sheet that has ever been created….
Fronting and the importance of Minimal Pairs
Working on phonological processes is a pretty big part of a Speech-Language Pathologist’s job. One of the more popular phonological processes is Fronting. Fronting occurs when velar or palatal sounds (i.e., /k/, /g/, and sh), are substituted with alveolar sounds (i.e. /t/, /d/, and /s/). For example, the word “key” becomes “tea” – which in…
5 Things to remember when using a Task Analysis
A Task Analysis breaks a task or activity into its smaller steps. For example, when you brush your teeth you must get your toothbrush, get the toothpaste, put the toothpaste on the toothbrush, turn on the water, wet the toothbrush, etc… A task analysis is used quite often with individuals who are having difficulty mastering…
Visual Supports for Autism
Working with individuals with autism and others with communication and/or behavioral concerns involves working with visual supports. Visual supports are a necessary tool in an ESE classroom. Visual supports are a way for we teacher and other adults to communicate with individuals with ASD in a visual way and it is also a way for…
Back to School!!!
In the south, where I live, school is back in session. I love the start of a new year – the excitement, the planning, the students….. My hopes are high with goals I set for the year and getting my materials organized. I am in the process of getting my list of students I…
Picture Analogies
I have spent the summer focusing on integrating curriculum based materials into speech therapy sessions. I have done this with a small group of school-based SLP’s who are focused on making a stronger connections to the curriculum and therapy as well as writing goals that complement this focus. Every SLP came to this group with…
Articulation and Progress Monitoring
If you are anything like me, you struggle with finding materials, putting the materials together and then collecting data on a specific skill during the therapy session. Phew…how do we manage all of that??? I wanted to make something to start my new year which had a particular focus – easy for me to…
Autism Awareness
April is Autism Awareness Month and today is World Autism Awareness Day. Like many of you, autism hits close to home. If you want to show your support to those with autism and those without autism – wear blue today. Wearing blue is a simple way to show support and understanding. Go a step further…
As vacation ends…..
The end of spring vacation is the hardest time for me. I almost always get a little cold, I never feel like I get rested enough and I know I have a pile of work to do for the next few months. The next few months with no days off until Memorial Day. I’m not…
Ah Spring!
I love spring! The cold weather begins to fade and the warmth sets in. The colors of nature begin to show themselves. The beautiful bright colors after months and months of drab. The animals begin to come alive and crawl around everywhere. The children in the neighborhood start playing outside regularly. Spring vacation at school…