To make practice more fun over break I have posted a board game that you can use. Instructions for use are under the "comments" section. It is important that during this busy time the students continue to practice since we will not be meeting for the next two weeks.
If your child takes piano lessons, your job is to make sure she practices. Now that your child has started school, it’s your job to see that she does her homework, and help her with it at times. There are 168 hours in a week. If I see a child once a week for half an hour, that gives the child 167½ hours between sessions for the brain pathways we just spent 30 minutes building and reinforcing to atrophy from lack of practice. A daily speech therapy home practice program can go a long way toward maintaining the progress a child makes in therapy, and can make the difference between noticeable improvement and month after month of therapy with little or no change.
A home program does not need to be a major time commitment on your part, but it is important. Usually, I ask parents to try for 15 to 30 minutes a day, but even five or ten minutes every day will benefit your child more than an hour once a week!
While I appreciate the home support my students have received all year so far, it is YOUR child who is reaping the most benefits! THANK YOU and compliments to all the people at home who assist in our students' successes. Have a wonderful, safe, and healthy holiday season. Enjoy your time with your children at home!!
"Communication is a skill that you can learn. It's like riding a bicycle or typing. If you're willing to work at it, you can rapidly improve the quality of very part of your life."
Brian Tracy
Picture
Monday, December 12, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
Thank You
As we begin American Education Week and the Thanksgiving season, may we appreciate all in our community that assist our students in becoming our future!
The first trimester is nearing a close and I am very pleased with the amount of parental support and practice my students are doing at home! This type of support helps them to progress at a notable rate. Thanksgiving is an opportune time to work on language and articulation as there is so much to discuss and family to enjoy. Take advantage of the chance to work on /th/ in Thanksgiving and Thank You and Thankful, etc. There are some great and fun Thanksgiving books to read together - "10 Fat Turkeys," "Thanksgiving is Here," and "Thanksgiving on Plymouth Plantation," to name a few. This is also a great time to work on following directions and sequencing if you choose to let your children help in the kitchen, or setting the table, or completing those extra chores we have to get ready for our feast!
Enjoy the next couple of weeks and have a wonderful fall season.
"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."
Leo Buscaglia
The first trimester is nearing a close and I am very pleased with the amount of parental support and practice my students are doing at home! This type of support helps them to progress at a notable rate. Thanksgiving is an opportune time to work on language and articulation as there is so much to discuss and family to enjoy. Take advantage of the chance to work on /th/ in Thanksgiving and Thank You and Thankful, etc. There are some great and fun Thanksgiving books to read together - "10 Fat Turkeys," "Thanksgiving is Here," and "Thanksgiving on Plymouth Plantation," to name a few. This is also a great time to work on following directions and sequencing if you choose to let your children help in the kitchen, or setting the table, or completing those extra chores we have to get ready for our feast!
Enjoy the next couple of weeks and have a wonderful fall season.
"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."
Leo Buscaglia
Friday, October 28, 2011
Happy Halloween
I do hope that everyone has a safe and fun Halloween. This weekend is sure to be filled with surprises and parties and lots of treats for everyone! It is also a great time to practice speech sounds and language skills. With Halloween comes MANY opportunities to reinforce asking questions (Trick or Treat?), eye contact, and answering and continuing conversations (Thank you, You're welcome). Children can talk with their peers and adults about their costumes and their treats!
Halloween is a SPectacular time to practice s-blends: SPooky, ghoST, SPider, SLeeping beauty, SPacesuit, SKateboarder, SKeleton, and SCarecrow!
Don't forget r-blends: TRick or TReat!
and /TH/ in THank you!!
Thank you to all of the families who have chosen to participate in the RTI program for articulation. Your at-home support is an integral piece to the success of this program and your commitment is greatly appreciated!
Have a wonderful time this weekend!
"Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never
failed to imitate them."
James Baldwin
Halloween is a SPectacular time to practice s-blends: SPooky, ghoST, SPider, SLeeping beauty, SPacesuit, SKateboarder, SKeleton, and SCarecrow!
Don't forget r-blends: TRick or TReat!
and /TH/ in THank you!!
Thank you to all of the families who have chosen to participate in the RTI program for articulation. Your at-home support is an integral piece to the success of this program and your commitment is greatly appreciated!
Have a wonderful time this weekend!
"Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never
failed to imitate them."
James Baldwin
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Screenings
Screening for articulation deficits for new students has been completed for all Kindergarteners. If you child may benefit from speech services under Response to Intervention guidelines, you will receive a letter by next week. Any students in grades 1 and 2 with prior concerns will also be screened and the same procedure will be followed. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I look forward to a fun and successful school year with the students at Elizabeth Ide and the Early Childhood Program at Prairieview!
"Language exerts hidden power, like a moon on the tides."
Rita Mae Brown
"Language exerts hidden power, like a moon on the tides."
Rita Mae Brown
Activities to Encourage Speech and Language Development
4 to 6 Years
When your child starts a conversation, give your full attention whenever possible.
Make sure that you have your child's attention before you speak.
Acknowledge, encourage, and praise all attempts to speak. Show that you understand the word or phrase by fulfilling the request, if appropriate.
Pause after speaking. This gives your child a chance to continue the conversation.
Continue to build vocabulary. Introduce a new word and offer its definition, or use it in a context that is easily understood. This may be done in an exaggerated, humorous manner. "I think I will drive the vehicle to the store. I am too tired to walk."
Talk about spatial relationships (first, middle, and last; right and left) and opposites (up and down; on and off).
Offer a description or clues, and have your child identify what you are describing: "We use it to sweep the floor" (a broom). "It is cold, sweet, and good for dessert. I like strawberry" (ice cream).
Work on forming and explaining categories. Identify the thing that does not belong in a group of similar objects: "A shoe does not belong with an apple and an orange because you can't eat it; it is not round; it is not a fruit."
Help your child follow two- and three-step directions: "Go to your room, and bring me your book."
Encourage your child to give directions. Follow his or her directions as he or she explains how to build a tower of blocks.
Play games with your child such as "house." Exchange roles in the family, with your pretending to be the child. Talk about the different rooms and furnishings in the house.
The television also can serve as a valuable tool. Talk about what the child is watching. Have him or her guess what might happen next. Talk about the characters. Are they happy or sad? Ask your child to tell you what has happened in the story. Act out a scene together, and make up a different ending.
Take advantage of daily activities. For example, while in the kitchen, encourage your child to name the utensils needed. Discuss the foods on the menu, their color, texture, and taste. Where does the food come from? Which foods do you like? Which do you dislike? Who will clean up? Emphasize the use of prepositions by asking him or her to put the napkin on the table, in your lap, or under the spoon. Identify who the napkin belongs to: "It is my napkin." "It is Daddy's." "It is John's."
While shopping for groceries, discuss what you will buy, how many you need, and what you will make. Discuss the size (large or small), shape (long, round, square), and weight (heavy or light) of the packages.
When your child starts a conversation, give your full attention whenever possible.
Make sure that you have your child's attention before you speak.
Acknowledge, encourage, and praise all attempts to speak. Show that you understand the word or phrase by fulfilling the request, if appropriate.
Pause after speaking. This gives your child a chance to continue the conversation.
Continue to build vocabulary. Introduce a new word and offer its definition, or use it in a context that is easily understood. This may be done in an exaggerated, humorous manner. "I think I will drive the vehicle to the store. I am too tired to walk."
Talk about spatial relationships (first, middle, and last; right and left) and opposites (up and down; on and off).
Offer a description or clues, and have your child identify what you are describing: "We use it to sweep the floor" (a broom). "It is cold, sweet, and good for dessert. I like strawberry" (ice cream).
Work on forming and explaining categories. Identify the thing that does not belong in a group of similar objects: "A shoe does not belong with an apple and an orange because you can't eat it; it is not round; it is not a fruit."
Help your child follow two- and three-step directions: "Go to your room, and bring me your book."
Encourage your child to give directions. Follow his or her directions as he or she explains how to build a tower of blocks.
Play games with your child such as "house." Exchange roles in the family, with your pretending to be the child. Talk about the different rooms and furnishings in the house.
The television also can serve as a valuable tool. Talk about what the child is watching. Have him or her guess what might happen next. Talk about the characters. Are they happy or sad? Ask your child to tell you what has happened in the story. Act out a scene together, and make up a different ending.
Take advantage of daily activities. For example, while in the kitchen, encourage your child to name the utensils needed. Discuss the foods on the menu, their color, texture, and taste. Where does the food come from? Which foods do you like? Which do you dislike? Who will clean up? Emphasize the use of prepositions by asking him or her to put the napkin on the table, in your lap, or under the spoon. Identify who the napkin belongs to: "It is my napkin." "It is Daddy's." "It is John's."
While shopping for groceries, discuss what you will buy, how many you need, and what you will make. Discuss the size (large or small), shape (long, round, square), and weight (heavy or light) of the packages.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Summer Practice is Important
A speech therapy home program: the difference between progress and stagnation
If your child takes piano lessons, your job is to make sure she practices. When your child starts school, it’s your job to see that she does her homework, and help her with it at times. Even if it’s not your child that’s involved, there is almost no example of being able to hand a job over to an expert and having no responsibility for assuring success. I take my car to the mechanic for repairs, but once I get the car back I still need to monitor the fluid levels, watch the warning lights on the dash, clean the salt and grime off it to prevent it from rusting, and so on.
There are 168 hours in a week. If I see a child once a week for half an hour, that gives the child 167½ hours between sessions for the brain pathways we just spent 30 minutes building and reinforcing to atrophy from lack of practice. A daily speech therapy home practice program can go a long way toward maintaining the progress a child makes in therapy, and can make the difference between noticeable improvement and month after month of therapy with little or no change.
A home program does not need to be a major time commitment on your part, but it is important. Usually, I ask parents to try for 15 to 30 minutes a day, but even five or ten minutes every day will benefit your child more than an hour once a week.
Summer packets have gone home with some of the students. Others can use the pages on this blog. If your child brings back a completed summer packet or calendar from this website at the beginning of the school year, he/she will receive a special prize! Have a wonderful summer and making practice fun is an easy task! Everything we do with our children encourages language and we can provide many models for articulation and grammar.
"You don't need to spend a lot of money to have a vacation....enjoy the simple things in life."
Catherine Pulsifer
If your child takes piano lessons, your job is to make sure she practices. When your child starts school, it’s your job to see that she does her homework, and help her with it at times. Even if it’s not your child that’s involved, there is almost no example of being able to hand a job over to an expert and having no responsibility for assuring success. I take my car to the mechanic for repairs, but once I get the car back I still need to monitor the fluid levels, watch the warning lights on the dash, clean the salt and grime off it to prevent it from rusting, and so on.
There are 168 hours in a week. If I see a child once a week for half an hour, that gives the child 167½ hours between sessions for the brain pathways we just spent 30 minutes building and reinforcing to atrophy from lack of practice. A daily speech therapy home practice program can go a long way toward maintaining the progress a child makes in therapy, and can make the difference between noticeable improvement and month after month of therapy with little or no change.
A home program does not need to be a major time commitment on your part, but it is important. Usually, I ask parents to try for 15 to 30 minutes a day, but even five or ten minutes every day will benefit your child more than an hour once a week.
Summer packets have gone home with some of the students. Others can use the pages on this blog. If your child brings back a completed summer packet or calendar from this website at the beginning of the school year, he/she will receive a special prize! Have a wonderful summer and making practice fun is an easy task! Everything we do with our children encourages language and we can provide many models for articulation and grammar.
"You don't need to spend a lot of money to have a vacation....enjoy the simple things in life."
Catherine Pulsifer
Monday, May 16, 2011
Kids are enjoying music through advances in personal audio technology more than ever. But at what price? With the increasing popularity of mp3 players, millions of children are at potential risk of noise-induced hearing loss. Listening to headphones at high volumes for extended periods of time can result in lifelong hearing loss. The loss may occur painlessly and gradual, often it goes unnoticed until it is too late.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is caused by exposure to loud sounds and usually occurs painlessly over a period of time. However, it may occur from one exposure to an extremely loud noise. Research suggests that NIHL is occurring at younger ages and with more frequency. Noise from personal headphones, jet skis, concerts, lawn equipment, power tools, firecrackers, household appliances, toys and musical instruments all have the potential to cause hearing loss. NIHL can be prevented. Teach your children to know when loud is too loud.
It's too loud if...
You must raise your voice to be heard.
You have difficulty understanding someone who's an arm's length away.
You have pain, ringing or buzzing in your ears after exposure to loud sounds.
Speech sounds muffled or dull after noise exposure.
Here are some simple prevention steps:
Avoid and limit periods of exposure to noise.
Buy quiet! Don't buy noisy appliances, equipment or toys.
Don't put objects in the ears such as cotton swabs.
Monitor hearing when ototoxic drugs are prescribed.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has been a global leader warning about the risk of hearing loss from misuse of personal audio technology.
Whether it’s an mp3 player, gaming device, cell phone, laptop, or any other device that your child uses with headphones, don’t overlook a potential health threat – the risk of hearing loss from misuse of the technology.
Here are a few ways to protect your children’s hearing and your own.
Keep the volume down. A good guide is half volume.
Limit listening time. Give your hearing "quiet breaks."
Model good listening habits for your children.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is caused by exposure to loud sounds and usually occurs painlessly over a period of time. However, it may occur from one exposure to an extremely loud noise. Research suggests that NIHL is occurring at younger ages and with more frequency. Noise from personal headphones, jet skis, concerts, lawn equipment, power tools, firecrackers, household appliances, toys and musical instruments all have the potential to cause hearing loss. NIHL can be prevented. Teach your children to know when loud is too loud.
It's too loud if...
You must raise your voice to be heard.
You have difficulty understanding someone who's an arm's length away.
You have pain, ringing or buzzing in your ears after exposure to loud sounds.
Speech sounds muffled or dull after noise exposure.
Here are some simple prevention steps:
Avoid and limit periods of exposure to noise.
Buy quiet! Don't buy noisy appliances, equipment or toys.
Don't put objects in the ears such as cotton swabs.
Monitor hearing when ototoxic drugs are prescribed.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has been a global leader warning about the risk of hearing loss from misuse of personal audio technology.
Whether it’s an mp3 player, gaming device, cell phone, laptop, or any other device that your child uses with headphones, don’t overlook a potential health threat – the risk of hearing loss from misuse of the technology.
Here are a few ways to protect your children’s hearing and your own.
Keep the volume down. A good guide is half volume.
Limit listening time. Give your hearing "quiet breaks."
Model good listening habits for your children.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Open House
It was a pleasure to meet and talk with so many parents and students on Thursday night. Thank you all for stopping by my room! The summer school catalog is available on the Center Cass School District website. I have posted the flyer for the class I will be assisting Mrs. Will, our Social Worker, with this summer. ALL students are welcome to join us to initiate, develop and maintain friendship and conversation skills.
Thank you in advance to the PTO for what I know will be a much enjoyed week for all of our teachers. Enjoy the beginning of May - hopefully the nice weather will be here to stay!
Thank you in advance to the PTO for what I know will be a much enjoyed week for all of our teachers. Enjoy the beginning of May - hopefully the nice weather will be here to stay!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
Things to do at home for practice
I have included a worksheet that can be used for practicing articulation or language skills at home. I hope that everyone has enjoyed their week and has a wonderful weekend. This week in speech we have been working on many different skills - sound production, categories, same and different, and of course, social communication and conversation.
Please keep in mind that I will be assisting Mrs. Will this summer at Friendship and Fun! It is open to ALL students and we will focus on conversation and relationships with peers in a safe and enjoyable environment for students of all ages.
Please keep in mind that I will be assisting Mrs. Will this summer at Friendship and Fun! It is open to ALL students and we will focus on conversation and relationships with peers in a safe and enjoyable environment for students of all ages.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Welcome Back!
I do hope that everyone had an enjoyable and relaxing spring break. It has been a pleasure to hear all about what the students did on their week off from school! As the third trimester has begun, follow-up speech and language screenings will be conducted for students within the next two weeks as necessary.
Thank you to all the parents and families who assist their students with speech homework! It is a great help to your child and imperative to their success. Because of your help and dedication, my Sound Improvement Group as part of RtI has proven quite successful for your children.
Keep an eye out for the 2011 Summer School Enrichment Programs that will soon be available. Mrs. Will and I will be offering Friendship and Fun for all students entering grades 1 through 7. This class will provide children with fun opportunities to experience peer relationships in a positive and supportive environment through enjoyable theme-based activities.
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