Speech Therapy — Speech & Language Blog — Anna Ollinger Speech Therapy

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

January Favorites Roundup: Books

I’m sharing another roundup of books I’ve been using in my therapy sessions. These books are adaptable based on the age and language level of your kiddos. They are also an effective way to target a variety of speech and language goals. For each book, I’ve listed the recommended ages provided by the author as well as a few ways in which I incorporate the book during therapy. Please note, I choose books based on both a child’s age and language level, so take the recommended age range with a grain of salt.

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