Supervising...easy ways to document

So following the Holiday break I was given a extra assignment, and due to my already busy schedule I was provided a Speech Language Pathologist - Assistant to help with my caseload. Fortunately for me, I recently attended an Ethics training of Supervision to obtain any information I did not know regarding having a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant.

                                                                                      photo courtesy of  Google.com

Oh, did I mention I am located in Texas. Therefore, the papers that I am going to provide with this post may not be what you need for your state. I've done a little research and a few states provide supervision logs for their SLPs. However, I will be honest, I write big and need a little bit more room to document information and provide feedback.

Texas (all Texas forms listed here):

https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/speech/sp_forms.shtm

Oklahoma:

https://www.ok.gov/obespa/documents/SLPA_log2012_Rev%20Copy.pdf

West Virginia: http://www.wvspeechandaudiology.com/Portals/wvspeechandaudiology/docs/SUPERVISION%20Form.pdf

South Dakota:

http://doh.sd.gov/boards/SpeechPath/assets/SLPA-SupervisionLog.pdf

Oregon: 

www.oregon.gov/bspa/SLPA_Supervision/SLPA_Log_V2.0.doc

Nevertheless, for the SLPs of Texas who my have large penmanship, who are not found of the form suggested, and looking for a more effective form that will allow you to keep track of your supervision with your SLP-Assistant. I have created two forms that you may like.

Forms are available under the "Printables" tab. I hope they help, please let me know  if you enjoy them. 

Freebie Alert!!!

This week's freebie can be found on Facebook. Check out Sassyspeechchick's page and your freebie awaits.

Have a great week and enjoy!!!

New Year, new fun!

Let me first begin by wishing everyone a Happy New Year! May you carry out your New Year's Resolution past the month of January, lol.

As we all embark on the journey of a new year, I couldn't help but think I needed a fun new activity for the kids first session back. If my kids are anything like you all's it doesn't matter the age they all want to talk about their holiday break. This is why I decided to create an activity to allow them an opportunity to  share their stories, and especially help those with expressive language deficits share as well.

This activity which can also be used as a ice breaker should not take more than 15 -20 minutes of your session depending on the size. Each child is given an opportunity to choose a colorful mitten out of a bag (I'll be using a recycled Holiday bag). Depending on the color of the mitten the child will be given a specific topic to respond to (topics are predetermine).

I tried this activity out already with some of my kids and they loved the element of surprise digging in the bag. Most of all they enjoyed the opportunity to tell their Speech friends all the cool things that happened or the cool gifts they received during the Holiday break.

Check the "Printables" tab for your free copy.

Goodbye 2015...Hello 2016!!!

For my overachievers (AWESOME SLPs) who are already thinking about 2016 here is a little something to start you off. 

A gift from me to you. I hope you enjoy and if helps your clients/students. 

Hurry over to the "Printables" and get your freebie. 

Holiday Reinforcement Packet

I think the title says it all. Go check out this weeks post a fun, cool, interactive Holiday Reinforcement (Dauber) Packet.

Enjoy!!!

Fall Fishing Freebie

Fall is here, but the weather in South Texas says different; around here it's still hot most days. I have a friend who asks me almost daily "Do you think it's boot weather, yet"? It's sad to say my response is that same of No. Therefore, in order to get myself in the spirit of Fall and upcoming holidays I have created a Fall Fishing game.

The template is located under the "Printables" tab. 

So this Fall Fishing activity can be used however you would like; as a reinforcement, to elicit language, to work on social skills, etc. I say go forth and be creative with it. 

Materials Needed:

Handouts

Printer

Laminator 

Paper clips

Tape

Magnetic Fishing Pole

Examples of ways I plan to use the game:

Articulation: 

Depending of the item the child catches will determine how many times they say their target sound. Example: If a child catches the Pie, he/she will have to say their target sound  3 times each. 

Language: 

The variations are endless. Example: If a child is working on the various parts of speech (i.e. verb tense) perhaps the scarecrow represents past tense verbs, the pumpkin future tense, and so on. Therefore, depending on what  the child catches he are she may have to produce a sentence with that verb or if you provide a word give the future or past tense form of that verb. Note: Any way you choose to play with Language will require a little extra prepping.

Reinforcement:

Every time a student/client  give a correct response for a skill correct have him or her fish out a cool Fall item. 

Social Skills:

Have the kids work on turn taking skills. The possibilities are endless.

Be creative and have fun, it's Fall !!!!

"Spook"tacular Speech

BOO!! Booo! Did I scare anyone? 

It's that time of year again and all my little ones can't stop talking about Halloween. Every session someone wants to talk about their costume the want, or the candy they will get. Therefore, because of all the excitement leading up to Halloween; I decided to incorporate my own twist on a dauber sheet. I surfed the net and all I found was the usual witch or pumpkin sheets, and I wanted more, something different (however, if you are looking for some sheets look at www.dltk-kids.com). Needless to say, I decided to make my own. Spooky Reinforcement is fun while challenging. 

How is works:

As your students/kids/clients provide a correct respond or produce their target sound correctly; he/she is allowed to mark the pumpkin, bat, or cute skeleton girl with either a black or orange dauber. I have my kids challenge each other to see who can get the most marked during a session. 

Get your copy under the "Printables" tab.

Searching for Sound in Words

This year I have more 6 graders than usual receiving Articulation Therapy; and my little enthusiastic pre-teens are still excited about attending Therapy. Usually around Junior High they are burnt out and do not like seeing the "Speech Therapist/Teacher". I guess I can say I am lucky with this group .
                                    


After the same old drill and practice, and self monitoring routine we do without any complaints. (I will be honest we have new room this year, that is not conducive to the fun things I've incorporated in the past for my Junior High kids, but I'm just happy to have a room). I digress, so I promised my kids a little fun, and because of the room I'm having to think outside the box. This is why I've come up with a Word Search Challenge for my 6th graders, and wanted to share. 

Note: It was specifically designed to address their sounds. 

The Word Search that I have created address the /l/, /r/, and /th/ phonemes. I know some may say a "Word Search", how will that help if they aren't saying the sounds? Well I have created my Word Search to be challenge. My kids are to race to find as many sound as possible in a specific amount of time (you will need a timer). The student to find the most words in that time will only  have to say the words they found 2 times each, the other students will have to say their  sounds the number times I choose that session. This is repeated until all words are found. I have also created a self-monitoring sheet for my students on that level so when they say their target sound they are able to mark if it was said correctly or incorrectly.

 My student's love this, it keeps the students engaged and the session moving at a steady pace. I recommend you try it if you have students working on these specific targeted sounds.

Word Search can be found under the "Printables" tab.

*graphic found on google images

Fall Speech Freebies

FALL is finally is here; well kind of  in Texas. Unfortunately, it continues to be hot and people are still wearing summer attire. I swear it's hard to teach seasons when you live in Southeast Texas; yet, I digress. So since the meteorologists have reported it to be  "FALL"; I have decided to create a few Fall themed activities for my kids and wanted to share.

If you look under the "Printables" tab; you will find a Fall themed reinforcement sheet, a "Fall"owing directions activity, as well, as a Fall word search to address vocabulary and promote a little fun.


Hope you all enjoy!!!

Getting back in the swing of things with CAS

So it has been a few weeks since my last post. I wasn't expecting to go this long without posting; however, life has been a little crazy for me since school started to weeks ago. I feel like I have be pushed and pulled in a million directions. On top of not being able to connect to my computer at home; it seems like every child I have this year is new to my school. Therefore, I am learning new IEP's and kids all over again. 

As I fight to stay afloat with this new caseload and new kids showing up seems like every day; I have truly had to turn on my thinking cap. I inherited a new little one this year. He was diagnosed with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) prior to attending my campus. For my readers who have not heard of this it is a is a motor speech disorder. Children with CAS have problems saying sounds, syllables, and words. This is not because of muscle weakness or paralysis, but due to the brain having problems planning the movement of body parts (e.g., lips, jaw, tongue) needed for speech.

This sweet little guy is in Kinder,  so picture being at a new school and having a motor speech disorder. Last week he had a melt down due to frustration which hurt me because I can only imagine how he feels. He is only 2 weeks into the new journey called school and no one understands him. Just to give you a an idea of his capabilities, my little friend has his vowels, but they are inconsistent. 

Guys, my brain has been turning like crazy, to find out a way to make things a little easy on this guy. Let me throw this in while I'm writing; I have not had a child with CAS in almost 3 years. 

So after getting a meeting schedule to change the frequency, duration, and location in which services would be provided (previous IEP schedule page stated 5 hours a six weeks and other information was vague). I have also put in place a temporary communication board, in hopes to decrease his frustration throughout his day. I am also planning on providing his treatment outside his classroom door (I am going to attempt to treat him like my RTI students). I will have to let you all know how it goes. 

With all that being said, if you follow me on Facebook or Instagram you have have seen post regarding a cookie activity or cookie monster activity. Well today it hit me, since my little friend's therapy will look so similar so many days. Why not make his drill and practice a little fun. I decided to make the cookie activity my new Apraxia activity. 

Using an old clear shoe box, a picture (laminated) of Cookie Monster, and cookie and milk cut outs I found at the local Dollar Tree. I think I may just have something he will like. I am keeping my finger cross, please do the same. 

So what I did was place vowels, consonants, and CV/VC syllables on cuts outs of cookies and milk. As my little friend attempts to produce the sound Cookie Monster will either eat or drink the milk. Simple but fun and cute. Well at least I think so. 

*Note: Session will be very structure and consist of the same routine initially. 

(i.e. Vowel warm-up, consonant in isolation drills,  and CV/VC drill using an action to associate that sound with a visual)

Freebie Alert!!

Well, I officially go back to work tomorrow. Don't cry for me, I will be okay (smiling).  I will say with the craziness that is happening leading up to tomorrow; I was not sure I would post this week. Nevertheless, I have managed to create a weekly planner for you.

I've gone to Wal-Mart almost everyday this week in hopes of finding a calendar, and I've had no luck. So when life gives you lemons; what else can you do but make lemonade. 

So, in an effort not to be up late I will not be posting anything drawn out. I just want you all to rush over to the "Printables" tab and get your weekly planner (Week at a Glance) template. 

Enjoy and have a wonderful school year.

XOXO,

Sassy

A new school year is around the corner. Be prepared.

I'm not sure about you all, but I only have one more week before I return to work (when I think about it I get a little teary eyed). I guess it's because there is nothing I can do about it, but get prepared. So, as I sit around my house being lazy, enjoying my last few days of sleeping late, I think about how I would like to be more organized than last year. 

Therefore, I decided to create a simple planner to add to the binder I keep during the school year (my binder follows me everywhere). Inside this planner I have attempted to add as many things as I think need to stay organized throughout the year. Items such as: screening/testing logs, parent contact logs, monthly calendars, and daily session tracker (Note: the daily tracker was not designed by myself, however, tweaked to my needs). 

I know so many times in the past I have bought various planners from Wal-Mart, Staples, and others. The bad thing about it is the pages were not re-printable, and they always seem to lack something. This is why I'm hoping this year will be different. 

Here's a Sneak Peak of the cover:

 Materials Needed:
Color Printer
Binder of your choice

I hope that this helps you all and you enjoy it. If anything, it can be a starter planner until you can create or find one that meets all your needs. 

***Remember the first step to keeping your head above the water this school year is staying organized. 

Bye, Bye Summer Vacation! Hellooo, new school year!

As I sit here lonely, because my pampered pooch is spending time with my parents. I realized that  summer is coming to an end and the start of a new year is right around the corner. That's when I began to think about my students and what I will do to break the ice and establish/reestablish rapport. Well, I wont lie to you, the beginning of the school year is so crazy, and my first thought was find a cool game at Target to break the ice. However, that thought diminished fast when I thought again about how starting the year like this will have the kids thinking I am just the lady who has the cool games (LOL, I know like kids don't already think that about the school SLP).

With that being said, I try every year to start Therapy with something different, and preferably not a board game. This is because like all of us we have some students that haven't graduate from speech yet, and have the memory of an elephant. For that reason, I am always looking for something new to change up my routine in order to keep them engaged and excited about visiting me another year.

Therefore, I decided to start this year with an activity I haven't used since being placed on my current campus. So, although it may be an oldie for me, it will not be for my students. I have recreated my old version of  the "All about Me" worksheet.


                                                        My new and improved version.

Now you're probably thinking you can not use this with your little ones. I beg to differ, instead of giving each of them this sheet have them answer the questions aloud. This will not only keep them engaged, it works on turn taking skills in the process. Another option, would be to project the worksheet on the wall. Then give each child a plane sheet of paper and have them draw their answers and explain their drawing to the group. The kids will surely love this.

As, a follow up, if your kids finish early have them discuss their summer vacations. I personally tend to stray from this area, due to the majority of my kids not being able to travel and/or do lots of things on their summer vacation. However, you can ask them what is their most memorable moment of summer.

Note: All you will need for this Activity is a color printer, and writing utensils.

Freebie Week.. Happy 4th!!!

In honor of Independence Day, I will not be posting an activity this week. However, if you have stopped by my Facebook page or Instagram, as promised have a posted a Speech Sound Development Chart given by a friend under the "Printables" tab.

*Note: All credit should and will be given to its original creator when obtained. I just thought this was an awesome share so I jazzed it up a little and its available from printing.

Enjoy and Happy 4th of July!!!

Stars, Stripes, and Speech

In just a little over a week we will be celebrating Independence Day; a day that so many (especially our kids) call the 4th of July.

If you are a Therapist that likes incorporating themes or holiday's into your sessions; then you will enjoy this printable. No need to wait until next week, start discussing Independence Day with your kids and incorporate this worksheet.

I have designed Stars, Stripes, and Speech as a reinforcement worksheet that can be used with Language, Articulation, or Fluency therapy.

Using paint daubers, colors, markers, or etc. have your student/client/child work on their target objective(s). As he/she provides a correct answer have them mark the stars. If you would like to use this sheet over and over print it on card stock, laminate, and have your student/client/child place buttons or coins on each star when an correct response is provided.

I'm sure the kids will love this one and you will too.

This worksheet can be found under the "Printables" tab.

Enjoy and Happy Independence Day !!!

Taking Speech on the Road!!!

Merriam-Webster defines summer as the season between spring and autumn comprising in the northern hemisphere usually the months of June, July, and August or as reckoned astronomically extending from the June solstice to the September equinox. (n.d.). Retrieved June 15, 2015, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/summer 

My definition includes the time of the year where I am able to relax and regroup. As most of you may know I am a School -Based SLP who moonlights at the SNFs from time to time. Even though, I may be on summer break, I don't believe the opportunity for kids to learn and continue to practice their speech skills should stop. 

I recently took a mini vacation to visit my parents and grandparents, which got me to thinking of all the kids taking vacation this summer. Although, some kids may be receiving treatment through private practice many are not. So with that thought in mind, I thought it would be cool to provide a few ideas to parents and therapist to continue or provide carry over when the kids are on vacation. 

This is just a started to kick the wheels in your brain to turning. To all my parents reading this please no this is not a replacement to Therapy, you should still consult with your Speech Pathologist on activities and information that will help in your child's progression. To all my SLPs I hope this is something to help you and that you can use with your parents and kids this summer.

Enjoy!!

Note: Printable version can be found under the "Printables" tab.

Father's Day Fun!!

Although, I may be on summer vacation; I realize some of my fellow speech friends are not. Therefore, I wanted to provided you all with a little fun activity that can be used as a craft activity to end a session while still facilitating language.

In honor of all the father's out there, I decided to make a Father's Day card. I personally pre-made the outside of the card that is fold-able. However, the inside of the card is blank and free game for your students/clients to write a note, draw, and express their feeling for their Father's.

The only thing that will be needed to start this fun activity is a color printer and writing utensils.

So break out your open ended questions and craft boxes, because this is an activity that the kids will enjoy and Father's will love.

                                            (Sorry I tried to take a better picture.)



Card can be found under the "Printables" tab.

Don't stop celebrating, May is not over yet!!

May is not over yet, so keep celebrating Better Hearing and Speech Month.

Bring awareness, give a gift, have your students end this month creating cool posters. If you love our profession as much as I do then celebrate.

Stop what you're doing right now! Now take a moment and dance as if no one is watching (see I even provided you some music, lol!) ....or if you're really feeling good take a therapy break and have the kid(s) dance with you. 

I must say, I am one proud SLP, and although we don't always get the appreciation we deserve I still love what I do. Therefore, I want to share some of my appreciation and love for what we do by posting some gifts from me to you. 

My gift to you all are cool printable wall art that you can either share with a friend or frame and put in your office.

 

So just in case no one acknowledged your Awesomeness this month or this year just know Sassy did.

Click on the “Printables” tab and find you some cool Speech Art/Posters. 

Darts and Speech Therapy.. you have to check out this idea

This week's post can be found under Therapy Ideas.  Here is a sneak peak of the idea, Now head on over and read all about it. 

Diplomas, Awards, and so much more!!

Well it's that time of the year again. If you are a School Based Speech Pathologist you know exactly what I am talking about. It's the END of the YEAR!!!

 As you wind down and attempt to get things in order before running out your building. I thought it would be nice to make it easy for you all who participate in the awards programs or hand out speech diplomas to your kids.

I have created a little mini starter packet of certificates and diplomas that you all can used to ease up some of the end of the year stress. The packet includes 11 certificates; 3 in which  have the option of  a Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant's signature. I did not want to leave out our SLP-Assistants, I know you all work hard and want to present good job awards as well.

 

So before the doors close for the summer take a look under the "Printables" tab and get your award and diploma sheets.