YES! You read that title right! This year I'm wearing a teacher and/or therapy apron.
This way when running around the school I can have access to things like rewards and pens without ever forgetting to grab them before leaving my office. Sometimes my storage clipboard just doesn't have enough space!
I purchased mine off Etsy (Seller: LizzysBiz), but you can find them on eBay or Amazon too. Some have zippered pockets or key fobs, which would also come in handy.
Apron from Etsy shop (this is the one I have): LizzysBiz
Super cute option from Amazon seller CraftyMom75
I even had mine monogrammed, because-- why not? It feels so adorable and makes me feel like it's out of the Reese Whitherspoon's Draper James line!
The beginning of the school year means students transferring and having to send/receive record requests from other schools. This year particularly I've felt the emails have been...dare I say...rude?
I know I'm not the only one receiving these half-(hearted) emails.
What do I expect when I open an email?
Well for starters, you need a greeting. For example, "Good morning." You need the body of the paragraph to state your business, in which throwing in a few "please and thank you" never hurt anybody. And then you should definitely say "Thank you" and then sign your name.
Because you know what? As miserable as it is to have to sit down and write a polite email- someone is taking time out of their day to read it. So you better make them feel at least a little tiny ounce of respect in it.
P.S. Please God, don't be a Gary and write your emails in comic sans. Yes, I've heard from teachers that it's the "only font that has characters the way we teach writing." But if you're writing an email, the other person likely can already read. Use an "adult" font, like Times New Roman, Georgia, or even Tahoma. And also don't make it 24 point font. It makes everything look like it's written for a Kindergartener. Some say personal preference on this one, buuuuuut... I firmly believe this should be a rule of thumb.
BARF and INCORRECT. Gary from "Parks and Recreation" on NBC
And look, I know we're busy. I know that everything isn't always sunshine and roses. But a little decency in the form of a simple, "Hello" would be much appreciated. And I'm sure you can agree.
It's likely a trait of all Speechies and I am no exception- I LOVE good school supplies and it's a plus if they're pretty.
Liz Lemon gets me from "30 Rock" on NBC
Check out below what I think are must haves and let me know in the comments below for anything you think I missed! *All pictures should link to the exact product I'm talking about.
1. Mechanical Pencils
No, no, no, not just any mechanical pencils --- Paper Mate Clear Point Mechanical Pencils. These things are my go-to and they are amazing.
2. Pens and Pens
I just found these white pens and I love them. They are fairly cheap, but with the white they look chic.
2. Cat Tape Dispenser
I saw this and thought, "Are you freaking kidding me?!" They combined two of the coolest things- an adorable cat and Post-It Notes. Sold.
Organization is the key to success when you're an SLP. I have three clear stackable filing trays with pretty folders that keep me organized and so I can see my pretty file folders. I just placed an order for this tiered file folder organizer so I can feel like Kelli Finglass of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Don't watch "Making the Team"? Well, let me tell you her office is #goals. She has a wrap-around-desk and labeled folders that make my Type-A-side swoon.
Kelli Finglass (see in the back? Swooning!):
4. Black and White Printer
If your school is anything like mine, the one printer for the entire building is constantly out-of-order or has a line out of the door. I had to alleviate this unnecessary stressor last year by purchasing my own black-and-white-only printer. The key is to purchase a printer that uses toner. That means you get more pages for your buck. This is the exact one I own and it's super easy to use. I love it!
5. ColorPrinter (with Scanner and Copier Functions!)
It was so nice having my black and white printer I went above and beyond and purchased a color printer a few months later. It's an ink-jet and can be costly to print, so I use it sparingly. I use it the most for its copying and scanning capability.
6. Label Maker
Now I'm starting to show my crazy with this one...but I label everything. Binders? Yep. Games? Yep. Notebooks? Yep. Drawers? Yep. This is the label maker I use to keep my mind at ease.
I could go on forever listing what I use, but those are some biggies.
Obviously everyone has different needs in their positions. What are your must-haves? Comment below to let me know!
We all have those students that are quite fidgety or energetic, which can impact their concentration and exhaust us if we aren't prepared. We want to help them make academic gains. Here are some ways I manage these students that I hope you find helpful.
1. Fiddle/Fidget Toys
This is something we've all heard of and probably used. I have a basket of fiddle toys for students placed right as they walk in and the students know they can grab if they need them. A few of my middle schoolers will get up and grab something when the self-identify they need it and it makes my heart burst with joy! Here are some of the things in my fiddle toy bin: rubber balls, koosh balls, velcro, magnetic monkeys, and a Tangle. Never spend too much of your own money here- all things I either got for free or in dollar bags at a local thrift store.
But as we know, sometimes these can get distracting too. Don't be afraid to remove something from a student that is becoming distracting and try something else. That's why there are also some other options:
2. Break Schedule
I made this Get Up and Move and Get Up and Groove Break Schedules last year for some of my super energetic students and younger kids. They love it! And it helps them stay on task. You can purchase it at my TpT store. This product gives you TWO break schedules that have visuals and descriptions of what the student should do for each picture. You can have them get up and move/groove every 5 minutes, or every 10 minutes- it's up to you!
3. Brain Break with Cranium
My older students are motivated by this fun task! I reserve the last two minutes of their sessions for one Brain Break from this Cranium creation. Each mini-game only lasts about 1-2 minutes and the students really enjoy it.
4. "Walking" Therapy
This is something I do once the school year has been in session for a while and the students need a change of pace. I like to get out of my room and walk the building. We'll walk a hallway, work for a bit, and then walk another part of the hallway, and then work a bit. The students love it because it's a big change than sitting in a classroom. The entire time we're walking- I have something I'm either teaching or a pre-planned visual.
5. Music
I cannot tell you how much this has helped some of my students. Not all, but definitely some. Something about the beat is soothing. I play this YouTube video, though there are lots of options on YouTube and beyond:
Liquid Drum and Bass Mix #1 from EnjoyStudying on YouTube
6. Exercise Ball as a chair or a textured seat cushion
This allows students to be constantly in motion in a more controlled way.
Seat Cushion with texture
Stability Balls
7. A banded chair bottom
This has been reported as working wonders for students in the general education classroom in our school. It's a very similar idea to the exercise ball or textured seat cushion.
8. Planning ahead
I know this might seem obvious, but planning ahead is very important. You need to have a game plan to keep these super energetic students engaged. Whether it's making sure they always have something to manipulate or an activity that gets them moving. It will be more enjoyable for all if you have thought ahead.
9. Sticker/Incentive Charts
These are for those students who just need something a little extra to keep them motivated. Always try to start working with students without an external motivator, but if they need it - they need it. Try to fade it out over time to see if they can move forward without it. Sometimes all students need is a reminder, "You need to work hard to earn a sticker today." Or the ol' faithful, "We might not have time for sticker charts today if we can't finish this lesson."
The stickers and sticker charts I have on hand I purchased from The Dollar Tree. Once it's full they get a pencil and to pick one special treat (usually different kinds of trinkets I've picked up from clearance or dollar stores for cheap). I have also seen SLPs that get coupons to hand out that are donated from restaurants, like from Subway to give out a free kid size sub-sandwich.
10. Half of a Velcro Strip
This is where you put half of a Velcro strip on the student's desk. They can rub it to get that sensory input.
Last but not least...
I know it can be hard, but it's also super important to remember patience with these students! Always do your best to find your compassion and try to respond to the students with love. They are not being highly mobile to annoy us, but it's something different in their bodies. We need to find the key that unlocks their individual and special ability to best learn. It is always super important to plan and prepare yourself mentally before working with these students. This alone can increase your patience. And remember- it's always ok to take a second to take a deep breath!
Please use the comment section to add anymore that might help. I love learning more ways to help students stay focused!
It's the first week with students at my school! Welcome back!
It's time to ask ourselves, "how should I try taking data this year?" We need data to track progress and provide in our MA billing notes. Last year I feel like I tried everything from taking data on my computer to handwriting notes. Each type had it's pros and cons.
Xcel Spreadsheet on Computer
Pros:
Copy and paste into MA billing notes.
Fast.
More information.
Cons:
Not as portable (my computer has a very short charge unless connected to power source)
It's my personal belief that it's socially inappropriate (and somewhat awkward) to keep a computer open for a session while you're with a student. I know that's not how everyone views it, so no worries if this is your preference.
Handwritten Notes
Pros:
Portable.
Charts are easier to draw out.
Less noticeable by student.
Cons:
Time consuming- not only the time it takes to write them, but then going back to to re-type them in for MA billing is MORE time.
Clearly there is not perfect solution to these issues. My plan this year is to utilize data sheets that have the students' goals and objectives at the top. If you're interested in what I'll be using, check my TpT store for your free Data Sheets for Speech and Language Therapy download:
I hope you enjoy! Let's have a happy paperwork year! :)
The beginning of the school year can be completely overwhelming. I wanted to give you a little information on what I do to prepare. This is also a FREEBIE checklist that I'm posting on my Teachers Pay Teacher's store: SLP Daily and Weekly Checklists - Editable!
Enjoy!
1. Prepare your room and organize! Throw out old paperwork and organize craft drawers.
2. Plan out your daily "absolutely must complete before I leave each day" list. This is something I like to do before school starts so I never let things build up over the year. Included: MA Billing, Pull out student objectives for the next day, Review next day's plan, pull out needed materials, do your printing, and clean off table, door handles, and chairs.
-MA Billing: You do not want to get behind on this task, so make sure to set aside time for the job and get into the mindset of "this HAS to be done." Otherwise you'll find yourself with unnecessary stress.
-Student Objectives: This is something I purchased off Teachers Pay Teachers :Queen Speech's Speech-Language Therapy Objective Binder. It is helpful to place this in front of the student(s) as we review what we'll be doing for the session. It let's them know WHY they are doing what they are doing. It's listed as an objective binder, but as you can see from the photo below, I place them in a plastic page protector and keep them within reach at our work station. That way I can leave them out in front of us as we work as a constant reminder or visual to refer back to as why we are working hard. I also like the page protectors because I can always grab and switch it out for the next student since I keep the others right behind me. (Random fact: I keep loads of worksheets, etc in these page protectors and use the as visuals that I leave out on the table. They protect the papers I use a lot during the day AND you can write on them with dry-erase markers and use them like a white board.)
-Review Plan/Pull Out Needed Materials: This is self-explanatory. More preparation on your part will make your next day go much smoother and stress-free!
-Do your printing: This is important especially if you have any meetings the next day. I rest a lot easier knowing any extra copies, agendas, and notes are completed the day before.
-Clean off table, door handles, and chairs: I can use Clorox Wipes at my school and I do this at least once a day. I know some of you might be reading and thinking, "Every. Single. Day?!" And let me answer with a resounding, "YES!" It makes for a much more relaxing morning when I walk in and see a nice clean office. This puts you in the mindset to get working! I also try to use a Quat solution (this kills everything) once a week.
3. Plan out weekly "to-do" list. Included: Write Individual Growth Plan (IGP) and plan out sessions for the week.
-Write IGPs: At our school we have prompts and need to write on them once a week. Similar to MA Billing, you need to get into the mindset that this HAS to be done and set aside the time to do it. Getting behind means unnecessary stress that is avoidable and we definitely have enough stress at our jobs.
-Plan out sessions for the week: I've heard of professionals planning daily, weekly, and even monthly. In the end it's what works best for you and what serves your clients best.
4. Make your schedule- I'm not going to lie, this is a daunting task. I wait until my school says they won't change the time of any subject times and the class lists are finalized. This is very important. If I started with their rough drafts I'd have to start over anyway, so patience is important. This is hard when you just want to know your own schedule! For me, I lay out the K-8 general education, SPED, OT, Psych, and school schedule out and start inputting students and grouping them together by similarity in goals/objectives. I like to color code and put where the students' class is, that way I'll know what he/she is missing for pull-outs. This requires a lot of work and lots of moving people around. But always remind yourself it'll get done. If you get overwhelmed, walk away for 10 minutes!
5. Decide what to do the first sessions. TpT has a ton of fun beginning of the school year and "get-to-know-you" products.
6. Prepare homework, copies of screeners, and daily "grab-and-go" activities. I use so many wonderful products people have created on TpT. Why stress during the year, when you could spend the time printing and preparing while waiting for finalized teacher schedules?
I'm sure there is A LOT more that we all do to prepare for a joyful school year, but this is just a list to get you started. Feel free to use the comment section below to add anything that might be helpful!
Now enjoy your free editable checklist from my TpT store:
I even had mine monogrammed, because-- why not? It feels so adorable and makes me feel like it's out of the Reese Whitherspoon's Draper James line!
