Monster Speech Theme!

October is here! This time of year is so much fun because we get to jump right into some of the most fun holiday therapy themes. There are so many options for spooky stories and ghoulish games, but sometimes those are a little too scary for our little ones. So I always love incorporating a (friendly) monster theme into my sessions this time of year. I wanted to do a round up post of all my favorite monster themed activities so you can join in on our fun!

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First on the list, books! Some of my favorites are: The Color Monster, Go Away Big Green Monster!, and Don't Push the Button! These are all fun books for young children. The monsters are cute and there are so many great story extension activity ideas out there.  Check Pinterest if you need some inspiration. 

The Color Monster is a great book to use for all ages. It talks about different emotions and relates them to a color. This book has opened up some great opportunities to talk about feelings and why we feel that way. Our office is using this book as our book of the month for October. 

 Go Away Monster! is a fun board game where students have to reach into a bag and pull out different pieces of furniture to make their bedroom. If they pull our a monster instead, you throw the monster into the box (we call it the monster dungeon!) and yell, "Go Away Monster!" You can always change that tag line to something that incorporates a specific target word or speech sound. 

Another really fun monster game is this Half Match Monster Edition game by Minds That Play! This is a super cute way to work on social skills, attributes, and asking questions. The game suggests two different ways to play (one is like Go Fish and the other is like Guess Who) but you could definitely use this open ended or even as a reinforcement after tasks are completed (how many monsters can you create before the session is up!?) To learn more about the game, check out their website, here!

A fellow SLP shared this adorable monster snack holder on Instagram the other day. I immediately ran to amazon to purchase one because I knew it would be perfect for my monster theme! There are literally unlimited things to do with this adorable little guy. We have been feeding him spiders (spider rings) as a fun reinforcement activity.  Someone mentioned that this would be great for feeding therapy and I absolutely agree! 

On the iPad: Toca Kitchen Monsters!

I have had this app on my iPad for quite a while. My students love it and it has some great language opportunities. You first choose the monster you want to cook for, then you choose the food, how you want to prepare it, and finally feed the monster. Sometimes they love the food, sometimes they don't (which is always pretty funny to see their reactions!) You can download this app in the app store for iPhone and iPad for FREE, here!

And what would a good theme be without some good ole ART-ticulation color pages?! I have monster themed articulation activities in my TpT store. You can check them out here! 

What monster activities do you use in your sessions? Please share below, I love finding new fun things for my students!

September Favorites!

Another month has come and gone. I wanted to do a quick round up post of my most used (and top requested!) activities in September.  

This post contains Amazon Affiliate links for your convenience. This means that if you purchase something using my link, I may make a small commission (thank you!)

First up, the My First Crayola Touch-Lights! This thing is the coolest little doodle board. Since sensory bins seem to be a thing of the past these days, I figured this would be a fun option. The board plays music and the lights change colors. It's been a fun way to work on sensory skills, requesting, shapes, letters, and even sight words!

Next, the Learning Resources Mini Muffin set. This may actually be the #1 requested activity. I love it because the kids work on sorting, color naming, number recognition, counting, and fine motor all in one activity. 

Beep, Beep! Here comes the Garbage Truck and mini garbage cans! I originally purchased this because I was warned one of my new students was absolutely obsessed with garbage trucks. I had to win his heart over, so I ran to amazon and snagged this truck! Turns out almost all of my students love playing with this truck. I have incorporated the truck into the therapy activities and also used it as a reinforcement toy at the end of a session. 

Last, but certainly not least, the Critter Clinic!  This is a favorite of mine as well. The kids get so excited to use the matching color keys to open the doors and see what is hiding inside. The kit comes with a stuffed cat and dog, but I will often take those out and put in specific objects to target goals. It also comes with a doctor kit so the child can give the animals a checkup- fabulous for pretend play and lots of language!