Cozy chats about speech, language and learning
One of the greatest misunderstandings in early childhood education is the belief that language development will happen naturally—even when environments are overstimulating, under-connected, and increasingly reliant on technology. But as we’re learning from both practice and science, language doesn’t simply “happen.” It is built, brick…
In my work as a speech-language pathologist, literature is at the heart of everything I do. It’s not just a vehicle for vocabulary—it’s the bridge to listening comprehension, inferencing, narrative structure, receptive and expressive language, and so much more. My therapy units often span several…
A thematic literacy center is a powerful way to bring learning to life—and when it comes to engaging young learners, few topics capture their imagination quite like animals. In particular, birds offer a rich foundation for integrating fiction and nonfiction texts, building vocabulary, and practicing…
Helping children understand and sequence the beginning, middle, and end of a story is a crucial skill for developing literacy and comprehension. For children who thrive on sensory experiences, incorporating multi-sensory strategies can make this process more engaging and effective. Here are some creative and…
Story grammar plays a crucial role in enhancing children’s listening and reading comprehension for several reasons: Incorporating graphic organizers is particularly helpful in this process: Overall, understanding story grammar and using graphic organizers are essential tools in developing children’s listening and reading comprehension skills. They…
In the realm of story comprehension, one of the intriguing aspects that captivates our attention is the interplay between a character’s appearance and their personality. As SLPs, and teachers our goal is to enhance language skills, critical thinking, and social understanding in our clients. Understanding…
Nursery rhymes are a staple of early childhood. Even with newer forms of entertainment, these simple poems, songs, and rhymes have stood the test of time. From “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” to “Old MacDonald had a Farm,” these songs are ingrained in our memories and…
It is important to have an understanding of the tiers of vocabulary. Recently I was working with a group of Providence College graduate students as we created a reading lesson plan using the story ‘Caps for Sale’ for students with autism spectrum disorder. As part…
How do you work with mixed groups in speech and language therapy? Working in groups in speech and language therapy can be challenging. Often the students will not all be on the same level. You may need to work with a classroom group in which…
The origin of the partnership between SLPs and teachers begins at the preservice level. This affliation of a speech and language pathologist and the classroom and special education teacher is a key colloboration for students with communication disorders. One way to solidify this relationship is…