5 Reasons to Use Graphic Organizers in Speech Therapy

5 Reasons You Should Use Graphic Organizers In Your Speech Therapy Sessions

When do you use graphic organizers? Do you use them to pre-teach concepts, or during brainstorming activities? Do you use them during lessons to target specific skills such as comparing and contrasting with a Venn Diagram? Do you use them at the end of a thematic unit to assess comprehension? I hope the answer is all of the above. Graphic organizers use symbolic language to communicate and connect visual information in the brain. Once I understood that graphic organizers use visual language to represent concepts, I knew they needed to be incorporated into my lessons regularly.

In this post, I will give you 5 reasons why you should be using graphic organizers in your speech therapy sessions, PLUS I am offering my Graphic Organizer FREEBIE through this blog post.

Creating an Atmosphere of Sucess

5 Effective Strategies for Managing Difficult Behavior

Part 3: Structure for Success

This is the third part of a 6 part series for managing difficult behaviors in language impaired children. I encourage you to read both the introductory post and Part 2: Create Routines for some background information in this series on managing difficult behavior in your speech therapy room. 

In this post, I am going to outline 3 ways you can structure your speech room for success.

Speech Room Organization with Command Hooks

Organize Your Speech Room With Command Hooks

One thing I really try to do for myself is stay as organized as possible. For me, I am a more effective therapist when I am organized. In our profession, we have resources for multiple ages and grade levels, various levels of disabilities, specialized curriculum, and tools and toys for just about every holiday.

I think if there was one organizational MUST HAVE for your speech room, I would suggest you invest in Command Hooks. You can find Command Hooks HERE on Amazon, or other stores such as Michaels, Wal-Mart, and Target.

Teacher Appreciation

How Do you Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week?

There is one week out of the school year that being called the "Speech Teacher" has it's perks. Teacher Appreciation Week has always been something to look forward to in my district. In the past we have had fun things like an extra planning time; free appetizer and drink coupons in our mailboxes; snacks and dessert bars; lunch provided and jean passes. It's usually something everyday from Monday through Friday. Teachers are the pillars of the community. Everyday I trust educators to take care of my own children. I trust them to keep them safe, to love on them, teach them and mentor them. As a speech-language pathologist, I have worked in many different settings. Education is where my HEART is!

TPT and it's Sellers Appreciates You!

Managing Difficult Behavior with Routines

5 Effective Strategies for Managing Difficult Behavior

Part 2: Create Routines

This is the second part of a 6 part series for managing difficult behaviors in language impaired children. You can link here to read the introductory post. 

How is your day structured? Do you have a morning routine that involves drinking coffee or hot tea? It is widely known that students thrive on routines. If we consider our busy lifestyles, we can admit that we all feel more successful when we work with a routine. For students with communication impairments time concepts are often very difficult to understand. Knowing what is coming next may decrease anxiety and increases focus and endurance for longer periods of work time.

Teaching Basic Concepts using Rosie's Walk

Teaching Basic Concepts using Rosie's Walk

Why do we teach basic concepts?

Basic Concepts are essential for success in school. Early concept development begins as young as six to nine months with “more juice” and “all gone.” For school age children, basic concept knowledge is needed for following directions and participation in every aspect of the classroom.

Here is a list of some basic concept categories that students need to comprehend and use in the classroom. Most concepts should be well developed by first grade (age 7-8 years).

The Grouchy Ladybug: Speech Therapy Activities for Mixed IEP Groups

The Grouchy Ladybug: Speech Therapy Activities for Mixed IEP Groups

 Do you need some new ideas for mixed groups?

The Grouchy Ladybug  by Eric Carle is an all-time favorite with early elementary teachers for introducing and teaching elapsed time. There are many different speech and language goals that can be targeted using this picture book during a shared reading activity and follow up extension activities. I typically use this book with students in second through fourth grade. It can also be adapted for older students in alternative curriculum classes with comprehension skills at this level. The Grouchy Ladybug is a fun and interactive book for mixed IEP groups.

I’ve listed some possible IEP goals that you can target during reading and extension activities.