October TpT Mystery!

Graphics: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Ms-Jessica

Hello my faithful readers! September is officially over, meaning that we now are full steam ahead for the rest of the year. I think it's about time we had a little fun. What do you think?

I'm sure you all use TpT. If you don't...please start!!! I'm holding a fun little mystery this month. If it works well, I'll consider doing it in the future too. How do you get in on the fun? 

For the month of October, there will be a mystery product listed in my store. It is $2.00. I know, I know, you're probably thinking, "why would I use some of my hard-earned money and not know what I'm getting?!?!" 

Here's why:

-it's $2.00, which means the equivalent of a cup of coffee or very large candy bar

-it's timely, which means you can use it this month

-it can be used with a range of students, goals, etc. 

-it's kind of fun to not know! :)

If and when you leave feedback, please don't give the surprise away! To get to the surprise, click the picture above!

As an added incentive, if you purchase AND LEAVE FEEDBACK, you can enter the giveaway below for a chance to pick any product from my store (bundles excluded). You must leave your TpT username, so that I can verify the purchase. Happy October!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Gratitude Challenge - SLP Style!

Have you seen Gratitude Challenges popping up on your Facebook newsfeed (next to the ice bucket challenge videos)? I have! I've seen different versions, but I believe this is the original website --> http://www.gratitudechallenge.com.

This challenge proposes that you describe something you're grateful for for 21 days. I'm altering it a little to make it fit the lives of busy SLPs. Below I'm naming 21 things that I'm grateful for:

1. My family: they are my anchor :)

2. My friends: they keep me sane :)

3. Having a job that I enjoy: maybe not every single aspect, but I love doing therapy!

4. This blog: since I started this adventure almost 2 years ago, it's been a creative outlet.

5. TpT: I make a lot of materials for my caseload anyway, so I love that I can help other SLPs out by sharing. Plus it has helped me begin to make a tiny dent in student loans.

6. Baking/cooking: this is something I love to do when I have time.

7. Reading: I loved to read as a kid and I still love to read!

8. Exercise: I like to run. I'm grateful that I'm able to be active.

9. Reality TV: sometimes, it's necessary to just have something to laugh at

10. Online SLP community: I've "met" such great sources of inspiration online! 

11. Being happy: not all day, every day, but 95% of the time I really think I am!

12. Reeses Pieces: because sometimes a girl's gotta eat chocolate + peanut butter

13. Gummy bears: because sometimes a girl wants something gummy

14. Grandparents: I'm lucky to have had great ones in my life

15. Phone: I don't live near my family, so I need a phone to stay in touch

16. Looking at the ocean: I don't get to do this nearly as often as I'd like, but I love it when I do!

17. Confidence: Since leaving college, I think I've become a bit more confident in my abilities 

18. Motivation to keep learning: while I may not be motivated 100% of the time, I like to learn new things!

19. Music: helps me unwind, keep running, etc.

20. My health: aside from a few aches and pains, I'm in good health

21. YOU!!! People like you who read my posts!

So now I must ask: fellow SLPs, what are YOU grateful for?

What Can A Smile Do?

Graphics from www.graphicsfactory.com and font by Krista Wallden

It struck me the other day while I was waiting for a friend - the power of a smile can be great. I tend to be one of those people who will offer a smile at passersby just because. Not always, but frequently. I think it's one of those things that people have lost a little bit of now that we have smartphones and iPods and such. We spend a lot of time looking down or zoning out with headphones in instead of connecting with the people around us. I am guilty of doing things on my phone sometimes, but I really, really try not to do it all the time.

We teach social skills. We talk about nonverbal language, like facial expressions. There is a lot to discuss and teach to our students who may find it difficult to figure out the nuances of nonverbal language. We should probably take the time to talk about looking at people as you pass and smiling. It can be a way to start a conversation or show that you're approachable and friendly.

I believe that a smile can brighten someone's day. It takes little to no effort on your part to offer someone a smile. Haven't you heard that it takes more muscles to frown that it does to smile? So today while you're out and about, smile at someone. It actually might not have that much of an effect on them, but it just might have a positive one on you!

SLP Mood Decoder

It is that time of year in a school SLP's life. The time when referrals are raining from the sky, you are running from meeting to meeting, your schedule is laughable because it really doesn't exist anymore, and you are doing everything humanly possible to just keep your head above water.

Or is that just me? 

Well, I was having one of the "I should be doing something else, but instead I'm doing this" moments. I was thinking about mood rings and how I wish that I could wear one that would allow people to see my mood and know whether it was a good time to talk to to me or not. So I decided to have a little fun and de-stress myself. This was the result:

This one is how I personally feel throughout the year - obviously some years are more stressful than others. 

Sep and Oct: I'm crusin' along. Once I get a schedule nailed down, it's usually not too bumpy.

Nov: Kids and staff are looking forward to Thanksgiving and getting a little antsy.

Dec: Code Red, people. Holiday parties, too much sugar, possible snow days mean rescheduling meetings, etc.

Jan: Refreshed from the break!

Feb: Feelin' the burn a little and winter has fully set in.

Mar: CODE RED. This year it seems like meetings are constant, more referrals are pouring in, and I just have no time!

Apr: SPRING BREAK!

May: The light at the end of the tunnel - you can see it.

Jun: All hail June...hello, summer!

I realize you all might have different moods at different times. So I present you with your own 4 point scale. Get a clothespin and pin it to whichever state you may be in! 

This is purely just for fun - grab yourself a copy here!

What color are you at today?

What A SLP Blogger Does During A Snow Day!

I have a snow day today. Much like most of the East Coast, I believe. Winter grabbed hold this year and apparently it's not letting go any time soon! 

What does a SLP blogger DO during a snow day? I'm about to let you know what I'm doing!

Step 1: Turn off that alarm. We got the call last night, so I was able to shut it off then. I can't tell you how nice it was to wake up naturally this morning, instead of by a loud sound that pulls me from that nice dream and my warm bed.

Step 2: Peruse TpT. I probably do this daily anyway, but I like to see what's new and exciting! 

Step 3: Take care of logging for my students: I don't like to get behind on this, so I make sure to do it when I'm thinking about it. Even on days that there are weather related closures.

Step 4: Work on activities: This is my favorite part of a snow day. Today, I'm working on a fairly substantial activity that I'm hoping to finish in the next week or so. Here's a little peek:

Step 5: Workout later instead of 5:30AM: I usually squeeze in my workout early in the morning, but today I think I'll hold off until later. 

Step 6: Bake something so that house smells good: I plan to make some fruit crisp later! 

If you're off today, what are your plans?! First person to comment and leave an email wins their choice of a product from my store (bundles excluded)!

What Do You Do "Old School?"

I know that lots of apps nowadays have data tracking features, which are supposed to make our SLP lives easier. But it's time for me to confess:

I don't use them. 

Ever.

Gasp!

Once you've recovered from the shock, let me explain. For whatever reason, I still like pencil/paper. I think it's a habit from grad school. I always administered tests in pencil - and I still do! I like to take data in pencil in case I need to erase. 

So I still use good "old fashioned" data sheets and do all my data online during sessions. I don't ever use the data collection features in apps. Maybe it's because I like the security of knowing I have a paper copy of it in case the app crashes. Or maybe not. 

Are there any "old school" habits you have? Fess up! 

SLP Secret Santa Exchange!

What's better than a secret santa gift exchange? An SLP secret santa gift exchange! Some fellow SLP bloggers that I've gotten to know over the past year decided to try one out this year. I was super excited to take part. I did participate in my school's secret santa this year, but this one was fun because SLPs all over the place were participating!

Below are the gifts I received from the person who drew my name:

Whitney Smith of Let's Talk sent me a beautiful chevron infinity scarf and an adorable Rudolph ornament. I forgot to snap a picture before I opened the package...I think I was a wee bit excited about the whole thing! It was seriously like being a kid again! 

I have already worn the scarf a number of times and received compliments on it! The ornament is currently sitting on top of my TV shelf - it will soon be stored with my other ornaments and will take a place of honor on next year's tree. Thanks to Whitney for an awesome way to get into the holiday spirit! 

Definitely check out Whitney's blog, Facebook page, and TpT store! She has some really great book companion packets, plus lots of other ideas on her blog! 

14 "Speech"-solutions for 2014

Disclaimer: Affiliate links are included for your convenience.

I'm not in the habit of making New Year's Resolutions. Mainly because I feel like they are somewhat doomed to fail. However, I decided to rename them "speech"-solutions and I definitely have made some of THOSE. Here are 14 speech-related things I'd like to do in 2014:

1. Take the Introduction to PROMPT course: I will be checking this one of the list in February and will be sure to blog about my experience!

2. Plan smarter, not harder: I find myself planning each and every weekend, so I'd like to start planning monthly so that I have more time for friends and other things I like to do.

3. Follow more speech blogs - this a guilty pleasure! I have "met" so many other bloggers since starting mine in November 2012, so I'd like to continue to network and share ideas.

4. Pin more! You can follow my boards HERE. Pinterest is definitely an inspiration for not only speech, but recipes, fitness, fashion, etc. I'm always looking for people to follow, so let me know of cool boards that you like!

5. Actually download and use all the free things I've wish listed from TpT!

6. Find engaging, motivating, and educational apps that I can use in therapy. Of course, not all the time, but I love finding new apps that can help my students.

7. Read Bringing Words To Life! I've heard such great things about this book, and I really need to get ahold of a copy so I can see what it's all about.

8. Delve deeper into the Social Thinking Program: Look for blog posts about how I introduce these topics in the next few months.

 

9. Find new and different ways to use materials I already have!

10. Make more materials/activities to use with my students!

11. Learn more about Childhood Apraxia of Speech - this is an area I feel weakest in, so I'd like to learn whatever I can about this topic.

12. Collaborate with teachers to do more push-in services whenever possible.

13. Post more questions on my Facebook page to garner discussion! I love reading all the things people have to say in response to a question!

14. Give myself a break from all things speech to enjoy other hobbies - it's never far from mind, but learning how to switch it on and off would probably be a good thing!

What are some of your "speech"-solutions for 2014??

An SLP's Poem For 2013

Graphics: Lovin Lit

2013 you're almost done,

You've really been so much fun,

Full of articulation drills, 

And games to target language skills, 

We've worked on "s," "th", and the dreaded "r,"

So students could get their speech up to par,

Synonyms, antonyms, and multiple meaning words,

Learning phrases like "it's for the birds!"

We practiced following directions, 1 and 2 step,

The students added so much pep,

IEP meetings, evaluations, and more,

Made your eyes, ears and typing fingers a little sore,

We practiced grammar, like an irregular past tense verb, 

Some days the students wanted to kick those to the curb,

Expanding sentences, from one to three to five,

Successful students made you feel like you did a 10 point dive,

Working sounds from syllables to words to conversation,

One step closer to being done,

WH questions: like who, what, where, when, and why,

Having a student "get it" made you want to cry,

We program AAC devices to help students communicate, 

So they might be able to one day ask someone on a date,

Some days you went home completed wiped out,

But you always go back; there's never any doubt,

So 2013, you've been great,

What 2014 has in store is still up to debate! 

SLP's Holiday Wish List

Do you have an SLP in your life? Are you wondering what to get him/her for the holidays? Look no further. In my opinion, these are the most coveted items on an SLP's wish list:

Disclaimer: Affiliate links are included for your convenience!

1. Laminating sheets: No, 50 is not enough. If you really want to get on the good side of your favorite SLP, you might want to add a minimum of 3 of these to your cart - yes, they are 200 count. Don't judge.

2. Assorted Stress Balls: You might be thinking, why would we need more than 1? Well, if you are kind enough to purchase the assortment below, your lovely SLP will be able to use them to teach categorization, object labels, verbs and much more. That same SLP can then "borrow" one to use when it's the end of the month and the paperwork mountains have gotten so high that your slightly frazzled SLP can't see his/her desk. Double duty, people. It's necessary for our profession.

3. Empty egg cartons, boxes, toilet paper rolls, and tissue boxes: Surprise, this one's free! You may think it's trash, but your SLP can work wonders with these things. Better yet, get an index card and a Sharpie and write the following: "Monthly Subscription Granted" and promise to deliver these items every month. Be prepared, he/she may jump up and down with joy.

4. A new tote: Check out Dean's etsy shop to purchase one of these amazing, personalized totes. I promise this will be a hit. Every SLP I know carries around a ton of stuff and this is a fun way to do so. And really...I mean, how cute are these?

5. Speech Pathologist Street Sign: This is purely for fun! Who wouldn't love one of these?

6. Coffee, tea, or other caffeinated beverage: Let's face it, an SLP's job involves lots of running around, late nights doing paperwork, and is generally a busy lifestyle. Caffeine is sometimes necessary to keep everything running smoothly.

7. Find a Cranium Cariboo game (seen below - sells for $160 on Amazon because it's discontinued). This is a gem of a game that all SLPs love to use. You will quickly become your SLP's favorite person in the world if you gift one of these. I'm only sort of kidding.

8. A TpT giftcard: Most SLPs I know frequent this website a lot. Why not make your SLP's day and give him/her the gift of well-priced, creative products?

9. Various colored permanent markers: These serve a multitude of uses. Ask any SLP! Most of us are all about the color coded, organized visuals. 

10. Die cut machine: There are several different types (see below for ideas). A lot of SLPs do crafts in therapy and this is the perfect way to help us out!

 

Not every SLP works in the elementary school setting, so let's not forget those in the hospital and middle/high school settings! These next few ideas would be perfect for them!

11. Anything from Michelle Garcia Winner's Social Thinking products: For the older crowd, I've used and really liked her Should I Or Shouldn't I? game. This is a great game to use in groups and has some topics that really apply to this age group.

 

12. News 2 You subscription: They have an app and in-app purchases that you can use right on your iPad. If you don't have an iPad, they have a regular subscription too!

13. Voice, swallowing, speech production clipboard inserts: These tablets have diagrams and information related to voice, swallowing, and speech production. Your SLP will love being able to rip it off and give to patients!

14. Speech Pathology Reference clipboard: Information at your SLP's fingertips is a great thing to have!! Plus it's a clipboard! We love our clipboards!

15. Prop It Speech Therapy Travel Kit: Mirror, magnetic, and dry erase. An SLP's 3 favorite things!

I hope this list has given you some fresh ideas for the SLP on your gift list. If you're an SLP, feel free to add anything YOU'D like for the holidays.

August SLP Link Up

All Y'all Need posts a monthly SLP link up which is oh-so-much fun! If you're a blogger and want to link up, check out her post here. If you're not a blogger, it's still fun to read about all the things your fellow SLPs are up to!   

August means back to school for a lot of states! What am I doing?

Buying: Organization items! Why?! I will be starting a new school based job! I'm not sure what my room will look like (or if I'll have one), so I have to wait for a bit to scope out the scene and then go out to buy some of the bigger things. For now, I'm organizing myself by sorting through my materials, books, etc. I also need to buy staples like pens, a planner, and other office type things.

Trying: to soak up as much summer as possible! This is a no brainer. Soon, my brain will be filled with IEP dates, goals, teachers' names, and other information. I love summer weather, so I am trying to be outside as much as possible.

Speeching: Super Duper Publications. Need I say more? They are trying out some new deals lately. Super Duper is always a go-to for materials! They usually change out the deals weekly too. 

What does August mean for you?

July SLP Link Up

Laura of All Y'all Need has created another SLP link up! Check out the original picture here! Join the fun and add your 2 cents...here's mine:

Just lounging: I'm still working, so I'm not completely on vacation. But when I get some time, I love to lounge...by the pool, on the couch, you name it. It doesn't matter where, and sometimes I fall asleep...oops!

Using the pool: See above. We have a pool at our apartment complex, so I try to get out there when it's hot. Lately, it's been so humid that even stepping outside takes your breath away. The best days to sit outside are when there's a breeze.

Loving summer: See above (haha). I love summer. Period.

Yummy pasta salad: Summer means BBQ. We had some friends over for the long weekend, and I went a little nuts making food. The good thing is I now have enough pasta salad to last me all week long! 

Hope your summer is fabulous!

July 4th SLP Fun!

A little fun for the 4th! Don't forget, my whole TPT store is 20% off! Wishing everyone a happy, safe, and fun 4th! :)

May SLP Link Up

Laura from Oh, How Pintearesting did a link up back in March. She decided to do another for May, and I'm happy to participate. See her blog post here for instructions on how to link up! 

For my part, I'm doing the following this month:

Buying: summer clothes! I think I have an aversion to buying winter clothes - maybe it's because I hate being cold! So I really like shopping for summer clothes. 

Hearting: wam weather! Can you tell I really LOVE summer?!?! The weather has been getting steadily warmer where I am. I love to be outside in the summer. 

Sharing: BSHM information. Check out my free graphic here! There are so many great bloggers sharing information throughout the month that it's hard to keep up. I love bringing attention to our wonderful field and helping co-workers understand what exactly we do.

Making: freebies and some other fun products. I like to reward my fans with freebies whenever I can! I'm so grateful that people like what I took time to create. Make sure you like my Facebook page to be notified of giveaway winners, sales, freebies, and more!

What are YOU doing this May?

Better Speech & Hearing Month

I'm a couple days late ushering in Better Speech & Hearing Month! I hope you all have fun things planned for therapy and your work settings to raise awareness for our wonderful field. I am doing a few guest posts on other blogs and have some fun freebies, giveaways, and other things lined up. Don't forget to like my FaceBook and Pinterest pages to stay up to date on everything.

*Sidenote: I just updated the FREEBIES page with the latest freebies that I've posted. 

And now, something to honor BSHM! 

What are all those letters for?

Time for a little Friday fun! Who likes to write all those letters after your name? Come on, you know you do! My credentials are M.A. CCC-SLP, so I created a little picture to show what we SLPs are. My favorites are the Circus Ringmasters and Laminating Machines. 

Then I realized that some of you are M.S. CCC-SLP, so see below for one you can use! 

Had a request to make one for M.Ed CCC-SLP:

That is all for today! Feel free to pin!

Ode to Target

This post is purely for fun. If you are an SLP and have a Target within a 50 mile radius, I'm guessing that you a frequent customer. By frequent, I mean you go weekly (sometimes more than that if you found a good idea on Pinterest or speech blog and the author mentioned picking up items at Target). 

Hi, I am the author of Teach Speech 365 and I freely admit that I will go to Target just to walk around - which usually results in me leaving with SOMETHING that I plan to use in therapy. So I give you a poem - maybe it'll put a smile on your face!

ODE TO TARGET

Oh Target, how I love thee,

I always leave with at least one item (or thirty three),

I'm just one fairly crafty SLP,

Big material budgets, we don't have (usually),

So I need to find other ways,

To help my students practice their L's, R's and K's,  

This means I spend a lot of time in the Dollar Spot,

Looking for that yellow, red, or blue dot,

There's always some fun, seasonal things,

That make my students feel like queens and kings, 

Educational, silly, or a storage bin, 

Not getting excited should really be a sin,

I can find a colorful tray, 

Sorting for categories or seasons - what the hey?

Play dough for a little hand,

Maracas or instruments, let's make a band,

Craft materials or a little treat,

Make my students say, "speech is really neat!"

Ask any SLP, they will say "I got it at Target!"

Don't ever go out of business because SLPs will throw a giant fit!