Author: Mo Burke MS CF SLP

Whether it’s moving from playtime to bedtime, changing classrooms, or starting a new routine, transitions can be tough for young children. Kids thrive on predictability, so any shift in their day can feel big. But with a few thoughtful strategies, you can help ease these changes and build a child’s flexibility and confidence. 1. Give Advance Notice Children handle change better when they know it’s coming. Use simple, age-appropriate language: “In five minutes, we’re going to clean up and get ready for snack/lunch/dinner.” Visual timers or countdowns can also help prepare them. 2. Create Predictable Routines Consistency builds trust. Try to keep daily transitions as predictable as possible (waking up, meals, and bedtime). When children know what to expect, they

Going on vacation this summer and worried about your child not having school or missing therapy? No need to stress! The good news is that there are plenty of fun and easy ways to continue enhancing your child’s language skills while traveling. Here are some tips to keep up the progress: Talk About Your Travels Before, during, and after your trip, engage in conversations about where you’re going and what you’re doing. Encourage your child to describe the sights, sounds, and experiences they encounter. Ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think we’ll see at the beach?” or “Can you tell me what this place looks like?” This boosts vocabulary and narrative skills. Visit Interactive Museums or Zoos Many museums,

Only have a pen and paper? No worries! The amazing thing about speech therapy is that you can practice it almost anywhere and everywhere, and all you need is a pen and paper. Whether you’re at home, on the go, or waiting for an appointment, you can work on improving your speech and language skills. Here are a few language-based activities you can do with just a pen and paper: Word Association Write down a word and then come up with as many words as you can that are related to it. For example, if you write “dog,” you might list “bone,” “bark,” “puppy,” “collar,” etc. This helps build vocabulary and strengthens connections between words. Sentence Building Write down a

  Home practice is a crucial component of pediatric speech therapy because it helps reinforce the skills learned in sessions and supports consistent progress outside of therapy. In my opinion, calling it “home practice” instead of “homework” is key in keeping kids motivated and engaged, as it avoids the negative connotations associated with homework. Home practice can be made fun and interactive, turning it into an enjoyable activity rather than a chore. When children feel involved and excited about practicing at home, they are more likely to carry over what they’ve learned and make meaningful improvements. It creates an opportunity for both children and their families to bond, and it helps reinforce the idea that learning is a continuous, fun

  Often, when we think about play-based therapy activities, we associate them with young children. However, Claudia Doan writes an insightful article on how play-based approaches can be highly beneficial for older students, providing valuable opportunities for learning. While many older students are typically interested in video games and sports, Doan discusses how engaging in playful activities can enhance motivation, participation, and the generalization of skills.  In my own experience, I’ve observed how these activities foster friendly competition between the therapist and the student. The article highlights some excellent examples of dramatic, constructive, and exploratory play. Below are a few session ideas that I have brainstormed and worked with in the past: Session Ideas: Dramatic Play: Game Show (e.g., Jeopardy) Targets:

Dinner time is a special moment for children, adults, and especially families. It provides an opportunity to connect, share stories about the day, and enjoy each other’s company. While mealtime may look different for every family, there are universal ways to promote communication in the kitchen. This month, The ASHA Leader published an article showcasing how an SLP uses culinary instruction to help children build vocabulary, problem-solving abilities, and language skills. This post aims to provide families with practical strategies to promote expressive, receptive, and pragmatic language skills at home. Strategies to Enhance Communication in the Kitchen: Descriptive Language: Encourage children to engage all their senses when describing ingredients. Ask them to talk about the appearance, texture, smell, and taste