Day: April 4, 2022

It is a common misconception that using a play-based approach to learning is only effective for younger children. According to the ASHA Wire Publication, play is one of the most effective means of engagement for older children as well. Through play, an older child’s imagination, participation, and carryover of learned skills can all be promoted. It is reported that the best kinds of play for upper-elementary, middle school aged, and high school aged students include dramatic, constructive, or exploratory play routines as these create the most motivating, meaningful and memorable learning experiences. Some highly supported play scheme ideas specifically suggested for older children’s language skills can include: *A Dream Job Interview~ older children can gain occupation specific vocabulary, establish an

In her article, Using Sensory Stories to Engage Young Students in Sessions and the Classroom, speech-language pathologist Katy Ganz discusses the benefits of sensory story time, which is the inclusion of touch, smell and sound incorporated into shared story reading. She began by finding a shoebox and gathering items to go along with the story “Dear Zoo” (Rod Campbell.) In her box, she included a pantyhose snake, a nylon feather duster for a lion’s mane, a smelly mud frog pond and a party-horn to mimic an elephant’s trunk. She discovered that students who’d never sat through an entire book without a sensory break were now attending to the story and wanting to participate. Not only were the students learning new