Speech Homework & Practice

How do we keep the kiddo's speech skills progressing.....

Homework and practice!

In order for the kids to carry over their newly acquired speech and language skills they need to practice, practice, practice. Kids can practice in so many ways and in so many areas! They can practice in their classrooms with their teachers giving them reminders throughout the day, with peers and also at home.To help make this easy to happen I have some tips! 

Freebies!!!

For language!

For Speech!

In the class: you can talk to their teachers and give them some information as to what the students are working on. Make them a cheat sheet. Throughout the day they can refer to it and be reminded of what the students are targeting. Then they are able to model correct sounds, and grammar that the kid needs more help with.


  At home: Parents can print off homework sheets for their kiddo to work on at home.
Some great printouts can be found at

•  Mommy Speech Therapy,  
•  Heather's Speech Therapy Blog 
•  Speaking Of Speech.  

Now, as a parent, I see how it can be difficult to find the time to practice speech homework  on top of school homework, dance, scouts, dishes and lunches. If time is a problem (if you are a normal parent, it is!) then focus on their sounds during a certain time frame or amount of time like bath time or supper time. Model and correct any  incorrect productions during that time. Be careful not to over correct- this will be frustrating for you and your kiddo!
Some other ideas are:

• Here is another sheet for parents of kids who are working on their goal in spontaneous speech. It is a rating scale for parents to rate how their child is progressing. I found it on the blog: In Spontaneous Speech.
• Speech Homework Log  You can use these logs for students working at the reading or conversation level encourage practice and carryover of speech skills!
• Ideas on Pinterest!
• Read a book and do an activity that is based on the book OR just have your kiddo practice their skill while you are reading together.
• More articulation cards for practice.
• Use apps on your Ipad! Articulation Station is a great one!
  
  

 

• And when all else fails I found a great blog on alternatives to speech homework! Thank you Budget SLP!

If you look around and put your mind to it there are so many ways to encourage home practice in a quick, easy and inexpensive way. 
Good luck!

Cheers, 
Mindy

Follow my speech and language board on pinterest!

Does technology make your baby smarter?

In short no! 
"Everything we know about brain research and child development points away from using screens to educate babies," said Susan Linn, the group's director. "The research shows that machines and screen media are a really ineffective way of teaching a baby language. What babies need for healthy brain development is active play, hands-on creative play and face-to-face" interaction.

Written by Anne Flaherty - The Associated Press.

After School Group- Reading to kids and having a discussion about the book!

If you want your child to interact and use good communication skills you need to communicate with your child. There is no iPhone app that will make your baby speak. Screen time will not guarantee your child's language skills, IQ, or academic success. Yes there are many apps that claim to improve communication, however; you need to interact and speak with your child while using them. It is like finger nails on a chalk board for me when I see babies with TV's in their room or a 2 year old with an iPhone playing games!

You need to talk, sing, read books and interact to get the language going with your children!


Check out this link to learn more!