Posts in Preschool Language
Top Tips: What does it mean to initiate communication? Why is it important?
Top Tips: What does it mean to initiate communication? Why is it important?

If a family is concerned about their child’s expressive language skills, I often begin to ask questions about ways their child is initiating communication, or how the child independently and intentionally communicates a message to their communication partner. Remember that a child doesn’t have to be talking to initiate communication! Children can initiate communication using eye contact, directed facial expressions (e.g., looks of excitement, surprise, curiosity, frustration, etc.), body movements, vocalizations, gestures, signs, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) use, and/or words. Think about how much a look of frustration or excitement communicates.

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AAC, Preschool Language, Language Development, Speech Therapy, Speech Evaluation, Toddler LanguageAnna OllingerLanguage Development, Toddler Language Development, Toddler Language, AAC, Parent TrainingComment
Top Tips: Creating an Individualized Home Practice Program
Top Tips: Creating an Individualized Home Practice Program

As an SLP, it’s my job to empower families to feel successful with speech home practice, or activities and strategies carried out after every therapy session. Speech therapy home practice needs to be tailored to each kiddo and family, easily fit within everyday routines, and feasibly implemented on a regular basis. We want to work together to create a home practice program to which a family can adhere. This results in increased progress towards speech and language goals. I’m sharing a few ways I keep speech therapy home practice simple and organized.

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AAC, Speech Therapy, Teletherapy, Toddler Language, School Age Language, Resources, Preschool Language, Language DevelopmentAnna OllingerEarly Intervention, Language Development, Toddler Language Development, Toddler Language, AAC, Preschool Language, School Age Language, ResourcesComment
How can stickers support speech and language development?
How can stickers support speech and language development?

When it comes to planning therapy sessions, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. One of my most effective therapy materials are stickers and I’ve been on a big sticker kick lately for kids of all ages! Stickers are motivating, cost effective, require minimal clean-up, and are adaptable to the age and language level of each kiddo.

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Language Development, Preschool Language, Resources, School Age Language, Speech Therapy, Toddler LanguageAnna OllingerSpeech Therapy, AAC, Resources, Preschool Language, Toddler Language, School Age Language Comment
February & March Favorites Roundup
February & March Favorites Roundup

I’m sharing a roundup of my February & March speech therapy favorites. These books, games, and activities have been fan favorites over the last two months. I’ve listed recommended ages and a few ways I incorporate these activities in therapy. However, please keep in mind that each activity should be adapted to meet the needs and goals of every kiddo. Whether you’re an SLP looking for therapy ideas or a parent in need of activities that support your child’s speech and language development, I hope this post serves as inspiration!

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AAC, Favorites Roundup, Language Development, Preschool Language, Resources, School Age Language, Speech Therapy, Teletherapy, Toddler LanguageAnna OllingerSpeech Therapy, Resources, Toddler Language Development, Toddler Language, Preschool Language, School Age LanguageComment
Less is More: Ideas for Supporting Language Development without Toys
Less is More: Ideas for Supporting Language Development without Toys

I’m a firm believer that less is more when it comes to planning therapy sessions. While there is a time and a place for customized therapeutic materials, often times toddlers are more interested in a box than what we pull out of our therapy bag. I’m sharing therapy ideas that don’t involve toys. These are great for toddlers and preschoolers. In addition to supporting receptive and expressive language development, the below suggestions are also excellent ways to work on shared enjoyment with your kiddo.

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AAC, Preschool Language, Resources, Speech Therapy, Teletherapy, Toddler LanguageAnna OllingerSpeech Therapy, Parent Training, Teletherapy, ResourcesComment
What is a speech evaluation and why is it important?
What is a speech evaluation and why is it important?

Answering all your questions pertaining to speech and language evaluations! When should you seek out an evaluation? Why is an evaluation important? What is included in the evaluation process? How often should a child receive an evaluation? Can evaluations be carried out virtually?

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Language Development, Resources, Teletherapy, Toddler Language, Preschool Language, School Age Language, Speech EvaluationAnna OllingerResources, Speech Evaluation, Parent Training Comment