Summer is only 8 days away for our school! There is A LOT to do in only a few days!
Get help with the 40 page,“Speech Homework AND Word Lists for the ENTIRE Summer”packet!*This packet is best used for students with articulation delays that are in Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and maybe even 4th grade. Older students might find the activities too young.
This packet includes: PAGE 1: Cover PAGE 2-4: The fine print and credits PAGES 5: Speech Folder Cover for a Student’s Speech Binder/Folder PAGES 6-25: WORD LISTS* for Speech Sounds -- /p/, /b/, /m/, /k/, /g/, /f/, /d/, /t/, /r/, /r/-blends, /l/, /l/-blends, /s/, /s/-blends, /r/, /r/-blends, “ch,” “sh,” /z/, /v/, and “th.” (Each word list includes 4 initial, 3 medial, and 3 final words with the targeted sound, for a total of 10 words per sound. Just enough to last one summer!) PAGE 26: Letter Home -- Explains to parents/caregivers/homework helpers the weekly homework. PAGE 27: Two Homework Passes -- You can choose whether or not to use one or both of these. PAGES 28-40: Weekly Worksheets -- Lasts the students the entire summer (Includes a place for the homework helper to sign).
Simply print the pages(black and white for easy printing), put them in an envelope/folder, hand them off to your students, and hope they show no regression over the summer or better yet- IMPROVE!
How are YOU getting ready for summer this year? Let me know in the comments below! Joyfully,
The school year's end is swiftly approaching! I'm already planning and dreaming what changes and decorations I'll use for next year.
This year, in place of a clock I put a picture frame up with the words, "Stay focused." This made the older students chuckle and kept some of the students who are time-obsessed from repeatedly checking the time and not being focused.
I prefer visual timers over having a clock, so the students clearly know their expectations without having to ask or check all the time. It's been bugging me all year that I didn't have time to make it match my room or be my preferred "pretty," so...
I finally took the time to create something more "me" to use for next year and thought I'd share with you! I made it available in lots of colors, so it can be changed out with the holidays or your changing classroom themes! It's available in each color with two wording choices: "Stay Focused" or "Question?"
We all know it's Better Speech and Hearing Month, but for those of us working in the schools it's ALSO Teacher Appreciation Week! As SLPs, we are educators and are celebrated as well as teachers!
I heard there are some sweet deals from some businesses. Here are some below:
Hello Joyful Speechies,
Is it too soon for a last day with students countdown? I don't think so!
We're almost there! Are you on track for completing all of your IEPs and evaluations? I'm actually feeling pretty good myself, but the end always comes too fast and it's never easy! Let me know how you're feeling about the end of the school year in the comments below!
This weekend, Friday April 22, 2016 through Monday April 25, 2016, I'm offering a TpT Sale where you get 20% OFFmy TpT store in honor of Earth Day! And it's perfect timing for you to get your hands on my NEW PRODUCT for a discount!
We all know that Summer is coming FAST! There’s a lot to do before the end of the school year…
Let me help make it easier for you with my 40 page, “Speech Homework AND Word Lists for the ENTIRE Summer” packet! *This packet is best used for students with articulation delays that are in Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and maybe even 4th grade. Older students might find the activities too young.
This packet includes: PAGE 1: Cover PAGE 2-4: The fine print and credits PAGES 5: Speech Folder Cover for a Student’s Speech Binder/Folder PAGES 6-25: WORD LISTS* for Speech Sounds -- /p/, /b/, /m/, /k/, /g/, /f/, /d/, /t/, /r/, /r/-blends, /l/, /l/-blends, /s/, /s/-blends, /r/, /r/-blends, “ch,” “sh,” /z/, /v/, and “th.” (Each word list includes 4 initial, 3 medial, and 3 final words with the targeted sound, for a total of 10 words per sound. Just enough to last one summer!) PAGE 26: Letter Home -- Explains to parents/caregivers/homework helpers the weekly homework. PAGE 27: Two Homework Passes -- You can choose whether or not to use one or both of these. PAGES 28-40: Weekly Worksheets -- Lasts the students the entire summer (Includes a place for the homework helper to sign).
Simply print the pages(black and white for easy printing), put them in an envelope/folder, hand them off to your students, and hope they show no regression over the summer or better yet- IMPROVE!
This weekend's Earth Day Sale in my TpT store is the perfect time for you to pick up your packet for 20% off! Let me know how you like your new packet in the comments below! Joyfully,
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!
