Category: blog

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

My son has been saying moon all the time now, so obviously I got him a book about the moon and he loves it.  Moon (a peek a through book) by Britta Teckentrup is a book that highlights the phases of the moon and its influence of various animals.  The book contains some wonderful rhymes and is most appropriate for readers between the ages of 2-6.  However, my little guy enjoys it as well as long as I am the one talking through it, meaning I don’t stick to the text.  I point out animals I know he likes or will make a rhyming phrase/sentence for each picture.  He enjoys it a lot and if he points out anything and

     My son has been so into a book entitled Mail Duck.  This adorable story is about a postal service duck who delivers mail to his friends.  The story has great rhymes and shapes and colors you can highlight with your child as you read.  Also a bonus it has lift flaps!  What kid doesn’t love that!  Mail Duck is written and illustrated by Erica Sirotich.      

  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

Interactive Activities on PBSKids (pbskids.org/parents) that Foster Language Development, Social Skills, and Increased Independence in Children: Rosie Care: https://pbskids.org/rosiesrules/games/rosie-care Help Rosie take care of animals Skills targeted: Following directions, sequencing, problem solving Babysitting Squee: https://pbskids.org/jellybenandpogo/games/babysitting-squee Help Jelly, Ben, & Pogo get Squee to sleep Skills targeted: Following directions, problem solving, vocabulary skills  Super Duper Halo-Halo: https://pbskids.org/jellybenandpogo/games/halo-halo Help Jelly, Ben, & Pogo find ingredients to make the Filipino dessert, Halo-Halo Skills targeted: Following directions, sequencing, vocabulary skills Riding with Rosie: https://pbskids.org/rosiesrules/games/riding-with-rosie Help Rosie complete activities of daily living across the community Skills targeted: Following directions, problem solving, vocabulary skills

Spring is a season of renewal, growth, and adventure. It is the perfect time to introduce little ones to books that celebrate nature, animals, and new beginnings. *”The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle This book follows the journey of a tiny caterpillar as it eats its way through different foods before transforming into a butterfly. *”Planting a Rainbow” by Lois Ehlert This book introduces children to the magic of gardening and showcasing how seeds grow into colorful flowers. *”The Tiny Seed” by Eric Carle Another Carle favorite, this book follows a small seed’s journey as it travels through the seasons and grows into a towering flower.  *”The Golden Egg Book” by Margaret Wise Brown This story follows a bunny

Our team member Holly and her son love to read together! Here are some of their favorites along with some language enrichment ideas! My son has been so into a book entitled Mail Duck.  This adorable story is about a postal service duck who delivers mail to his friends.  The story has great rhymes and shapes and colors you can highlight with your child as you read.  Also a bonus it has lift flaps!  What kid doesn’t love that!  Mail Duck is written and illustrated by Erica Sirotich Another great book – Moon (a peek a through book) by Britta Teckentrup is a book that highlights the phases of the moon and its influence of various animals.  The book contains

  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:

Winter is finally here, which means beautiful snowy days, building snowmen, and — of course — warm cups of hot chocolate! This few-second self-regulation activity brings up the image of a warm cup of hot chocolate and is a quick way to send oxygen to the frontal lobe, helping us parents and our children create a sense of calm and focus. 1. Cup your hands together, as though you are holding a mug of delicious hot chocolate. 2. Bring the “cup” to your nose and breathe in deeply, as though you are smelling the “hot chocolate.” 3. Blow out through pursed lips, as though to cool off your hot chocolate to make it ready for sipping. Repeat this for 3-5