Making Magic Words in Speech!

And for my next trick.... Magic Words!  Don't you just love when you find an activity that makes your students just light up? Occasionally, speech can become a little dull, especially if you have a student that has been with you for a while. Finding new ways to make speech practice fun and exciting can be a little difficult. Magic Words is a fun way to get your kids excited and get a lot of practice in, too!

All you need for this activity is a plain piece of white paper, a white crayon, watercolors, and a paintbrush. I got this Crayola watercolor set with a brush from Target for just over a dollar. Before the kids come in to speech, I write their target words for the day on the paper with white crayon. When they arrive, I tell them the paper is magic paper that makes special words appear when they paint! (or you could say the paint is magic.... whatever works!) 

As the students paint on the paper, the paint won't stick to the crayon, so it makes their words appear like magic! When they discover a new word, I have them practice that word 5 times or put it in a sentence, depending on their level. The amount of giggles that come out of this activity is pretty darn amazing. 

I have used this activity for more than just speech words. I have also written sight words, spelling words, numbers, letters, a secret message... just about anything will work! Just this morning I  drew shapes for a little guy learning those.  I personally haven't tried this, but was a great way to get kids engaged during teletherapy! You would have all the materials on your end and do the painting. The student can practice their word as it appears on your paper! 

I hope this activity will bring a fresh, new idea to your speech room!

Speech With The Very Hungry Caterpillar!

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Spring has sprung! I love this time of year and I love all of the "springy" themed books and activities that can be used in therapy! If you missed my post a few weeks ago, I shared some spring time favorites! You can check that out here. One of my favorites to use this time of year is The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.

This classic story is perfect to teach all about growing and changing! What's even better is when we can throw some speech and language goals in the mix! 

One of my favorite activities to use for story sequencing goals is a "story in a bag!" I found some story cards on Pinterest (they are everywhere- just search "the very hungry caterpillar sequencing.") I decided to use black and white pictures so the kids can color them and personalize their story bag!

After they were finished coloring, we cut them apart and numbered them. Since they are numbered, the kids have an easier time retelling the story in the correct sequence. I love sending these bags home for homework. The kids love sharing their bags with their family and I love extra practice at home!

Let me introduce our Speech-a-Pillars!! I cannot take credit for these, I saw tons of similar ones floating around Pinterest... but aren't they cute? I pre-cut the circles and target words (simply to save time) and let the kids have fun creating their caterpillars. I printed the words from the Mommy Speech Therapy blog.

What's your favorite spring time activity?

Speech Stories!

Happy Friday! I wanted to write a quick little post to share an idea with you that we did in speech this week. About once or twice a year, I like to let the kids make their own speech books. They always enjoy pulling out the crayons and making their own personalized book. The great thing about this activity is that it works for any level that the child is at in speech (word, sentence, or conversation) and it really emphasizes carryover because they love to share their book. I have found that speech books really make the students very aware of their speech sound goals they are working on.

To make the books, I use the large index cards and crayons. I prompt students to think of words that contain their target sound. Usually they are pretty good with this because we practice target words all the time. But some need some help, so a brainstorming list of target words is helpful too. Depending on the level of the child, have them write the word or make up a sentence for the word and illustrate a picture.

On the last page of the book, I add an autograph page. Students love getting their teachers and friends to sign their book after they have read it to them. This is awesome for carryover and homework!