Christmas Prepositions

I came up with this simple game to work on prepositions using different Christmas items. I have used this as a fun little card game with some of my kindergarten-aged kiddos. I take the first row of cards (i.e Present, Rudolph, and Christmas tree) and they get the second row (Bow, Nose, and Star). They have to match up the cards by using the correct preposition (i.e. The bow goes on the present). You can add or remove cards depending on your kiddo's abilities. I’m sure there many ways to be creative (I usually make up my own rules to just about every game played in my therapy room). Some other idea could include vocabulary, simple sentence formation, and describing. 

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Ready, Set, Christmas

My supervisor developed a series of “Ready, Set…” books for bunch of different holidays. I have started using her ideas to put together my own set. With a lot of help from my very talented cousin, I put together “Ready, Set, Christmas.” My cousin Rebecca did a wonderful job on all the graphics (I also snagged just a few from the mycutegraphics website too).

The book requires a little assembling. I laminate all the pages to keep everything from ripping. Cut out all the graphic squares on the icon pages and attach them to the template page (the page of empty boxes). Sticky back Velcro works perfect! I attached some photos to show how I arrange the book pages.

It has been a fun way to target various vocabulary as well as expressive and receptive language. The repetitive sentences support formulating complete sentences and sentence structure. You can also work on expressive language by matching up the correct pictures to the correct requests. If a field of 8 choices is too many, just reduce the amount of icons on a page.

At the very end, you can put your kiddo’s selections into their very own story. I have been making copies so they can take it home and share with their family. 

 

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Oh Christmas Tree

This past week I used my Christmas tree in therapy. I just painted a tree on some card stock and then ran it through the laminator. I used the same box that was used for the apple tree and taped on the card stock. The ornaments are from the 1 spot at Target. Since the ornaments are made of plastic they can handle being bounced (or thrown). I found the Christmas lights and candy cane graphics from mycutegraphics.com. It was a fun way to work on therapy goals while getting into the Christmas spirit. I targeted prepositions (on top, in the middle, or bottom of the tree). I also worked on holiday vocabulary and following directions (i.e. “put the sparkly pink ornament on top”). For my articulation kiddos, I used the tree as a reinforcement activity. 

Christmas Bingo

I heard my first Christmas song on the radio today, so I figured I should start preparing my activities. I know the holiday season is coming quickly and I want to make sure I get my therapy materials in order. I made this simple little bingo game to use as another holiday reinforcer. It works great with my articulation kiddos. I usually bring out Chipper Chat pieces for bingo markers (it makes for easy clean up). However, if I can pull it together, I may use some holiday treats for markers. Marshmallows or chocolate chips always have a special way of motivating. 

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Dinner Dash

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To get in the festive spirit, I created this Thanksgiving Dinner Dash board game. Move the game pieces through the maze of Thanksgiving dinner by drawing from the card pile. Be careful not to spoil your appetite or burn the rolls! This game was designed to be a fun reinforcement while addressing goals.

This activity includes a board game, game pieces, and 18 festive cards to move you through the game. For easy storage, I stapled the game board inside a manila folder. This way you can throw the cards and game pieces inside and keep everything together.

Apple Picking

Since Halloween is over, I figured it was time to start some other fall activities. To create this tree I used some paper bags, construction paper, and sticky back Velcro. I also purchased some fake apples and fall foliage from Hobby Lobby. 

I created the tree trunk with the paper bags and laminated green construction paper for the tree top. I glued the tree to the side of a cardboard box. I plan on putting different trees on each side (one for each season).

I attached the leaves and apples using sticky back Velcro. 

 I thought this would be great activity for expressive language (leaves on/off, apples fall down...etc). I also thought I could use it as a reinforcer with some of my artic kiddos as we work on their sounds. 

ps. Please ignore the date on the photos, I'm not great with my camera.

First Steps

The first step onto The Speech Path Place:

 I have been perusing and using various education and speech pathology blogs for quite some time. I am so impressed by all the creative individuals out there. As a fairly new graduate, I am always looking for ways to add to my collection. Also, the materials I found in the blogsphere kept me afloat during my CF.

I love using fun and creative ways to address speech goals, and if I can do it cheaply, even better! Some of the best advice I received in school was, "If you're bored, then the kids are probably bored too." Sometimes you just need to shake things up, if not for the kiddos, then for your own sanity. 

I am so grateful to all those bloggers out there who help keep my therapy new and exciting. I figured it was time to give back. Now that the craziness of the CF is over, I have some to make and share materials. 
-Allison