Author: Caroline Vance MS CCC SLP

As a new school year begins, parents play a key role in setting their children up for success—especially when it comes to speech and language development. Whether your child receives speech services or just needs a little extra support with communication, these simple strategies can help ease the transition and keep progress moving forward. 1. Re-establish routines. Consistent routines support language development. Talk through daily activities—like packing lunches or getting ready for school—and model clear language. This not only builds vocabulary, but also prepares your child for the structure of the school day. 2. Communicate with your child’s team.  Stay in touch with your child’s teacher and speech-language pathologist. Share any updates or concerns you noticed over the summer. Open

AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) is a vital tool for individuals with communication challenges, offering a range of devices and strategies to support speech. There are several myths about AAC, such as the idea that it’s only for those with no speech, that it’s hard to use, or that it prevents speech development. In reality, AAC is for people with varying speech abilities and can actually encourage speech by reducing frustration and boosting confidence. For example, a child with apraxia may start with a picture exchange system, then progress to a speech-generating device as they improve.  It’s also highly adaptable, with many intuitive systems that users can learn with support. Success stories show how AAC empowers individuals, helping them communicate

July is a time for sunshine, play, and relaxation—but it’s also a great opportunity to keep your child’s communication skills growing in fun, everyday ways. Here are a few simple strategies to help maintain speech and language progress over the summer months: 1. Talk during daily activities. Whether you’re at the pool, the park, or the grocery store, turn experiences into learning moments. Describe what you see, ask open-ended questions, and encourage your child to do the same. 2. Read together regularly. Choose books that spark your child’s interest and take time to pause, predict, and discuss the story. Ask questions like, “What do you think will happen next?” or “Why did the character do that?” 3. Play with purpose.

  As a parent, you don’t need to become a speech therapist to help your child develop strong communication skills. In fact, some of the most effective ways to support language growth happen during everyday activities you’re already doing—like getting dressed, eating meals, or playing together. The key is to be intentional with how you talk, listen, and interact. Small changes in your daily routine can have a big impact, and the best part is, it doesn’t have to feel like “work.” One of the simplest things you can do is narrate what you’re doing as you go about your day. For example, when you’re making breakfast, you might say, “I’m cracking the egg. Now I’m stirring it. Look, it’s

Winter Snowman Craft Materials: Construction paper in winter colors (blue, red, green, orange, black, etc.) Scissors Glue or tape Markers or crayons Cotton balls Small googly eyes Speech Therapy Targets: Articulation: Focus on speech sounds like “s,” “sh,” “ch,” “b,” “p,” and “m” that are common in winter vocabulary (snow, cold, snowman, mittens, boots, ice). Vocabulary: Seasonal vocabulary words (snow, cold, freeze, snowflake, mittens, scarf, hat, snowman, sleet). Sentence Structure: Create simple and complex sentences to describe the snowman (e.g., “The snowman has a red hat” or “The snowman is wearing a blue scarf”). Following Directions: Give step-by-step instructions to assemble the snowman (e.g., “Cut out two circles for the snowman’s body,” “Glue the buttons on the snowman”). How to:

  6-12 month+: Piggy Bank: https://a.co/d/cj4IcuR Sorting Shapes: https://a.co/d/c6aO5ej Buckle Toy: https://a.co/d/5bfqGQI Stacking Cups: https://a.co/d/9iDF3NZ Feed the Fish: https://a.co/d/ePFekzO Toddlers/Young: Sequence For Kids: https://a.co/d/5BxINjE Balloon Launcher: https://a.co/d/aZwHCiF Pretend Play Ice Cream: https://a.co/d/gGvhT5b Let’s Go Fishing: https://a.co/d/e8ZS2I2 Dino Launcher: https://a.co/d/6UfnrGD Zingo: https://a.co/d/eM0lS7P Sorting Baskets: https://a.co/d/2gOm1gu Frankie’s Food Truck: https://a.co/d/eTCPotp Elementary Aged: Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza: https://a.co/d/jjRz4bS Gravity Maze: https://a.co/d/hEl5To5 Kanoodle: https://a.co/d/5BmK1yP Code Names: https://a.co/d/69ieiNp Tetris: https://a.co/d/favJNuD Quick Pucks: https://a.co/d/d8jDnAn Traffic Jam: https://a.co/d/1VXnEf7 Connect Four *Spin: https://a.co/d/947j1Vo Left Center Right: https://a.co/d/caAetAB Teens: The Game of Things: https://a.co/d/21TA4BC What Do You Meme?: https://a.co/d/iJT3nAb Catan: https://a.co/d/fgVl4al Wordle Board Game: https://a.co/d/bmxKjas Mind the Gap: https://a.co/d/bFUG1nZ

Importance of a weekly routine: A weekly routine is crucial for child development as it provides a structured and predictable environment that helps children feel secure and understand what to expect each day. Consistent routines support the development of time management skills, helping children learn to anticipate and prepare for various activities, which fosters independence and confidence. Regular routines also contribute to emotional stability by reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of order. Additionally, routines can improve behavioral regulation by establishing clear expectations and patterns, making transitions smoother and minimizing conflicts. This does not mean that everyday has to look the exact same, that is not realistic.  Although routines might look different day to day, there are some aspects within

In July, I adopted a sweet four year old golden retriever and sheltie mix! Her name is Lady 🙂 Although the first few weeks have been a transitional shift to my usual routine, it has brought joy and comfort in areas of my life I did not anticipate! I myself suffer from anxiety and utilize tools to self-regulate occasionally, just like some of the children I treat daily.  Since having her in my life, I have not had to utilize my “go-to” tools to de-stress as often.  She has been providing me with a lot of the comfort I need when it’s time to calm down.  This has gotten me thinking about how beneficial dogs can be to individuals with