Halloween Reinforcer

I have a bad habit of being a frequent shopper in the dollar bins at Target.  Last time I was there, I picked up a Halloween bucket and Halloween socks.  Then, when I was shopping at Joann's (a fabric/craft store), I came across some eyeball bouncy balls to create the following activity:

 

To make the bucket, I cut the tip of one sock off (adult size) and stretched it over the top of the bucket to prevent peeking.  I then drew a spider on only one of the bouncy balls with a sharpie.  Students take turns reaching their hand in the bucket to grab a ball.  I've played it both ways with my students where if you get the spider you have to put all your eyeballs back or if you get the spider you win that round.

I've been using this game as a reinforcer for articulation drill.  I typically have kids do 10-30 productions (based on how often they need reinforcement and speed/accuracy of production), then take a turn to draw from the bucket.  I've also played this while working on wh-questions using Halloween wh-question cards founds here.  I love this game because turns are so quick and easy that it does not distract from the actual work you are there to do!

Happy Speeching!

-Courtney

Halloween Wh-Question Cards FREEBIE!

October is my favorite month of the year.  I love Fall and, to me, it marks the beginning of Holiday season.  So, let's kick holiday season off with a Freebie!

Below you can find a link to the wh-questions FREEBIE at my TeachersPayTeachers store.

Check out my blog later in the month to see how I use them in therapy!

Get your FREEBIE here!

Why Washi Tape is a SLP's New Best Friend

I have been coveting washi tape for a while now.  I'm not sure what it is about it that makes me want it so bad.  It's cuteness?  It's colorfulness?  My need for everything organizational and office supplies related?

I have been having fun with my washi tape in speech the last couple of days.  Here is how I have been using it:

1.  As Place Holders

I have several kids who need to take breaks during sessions or sometimes will bring toys to sessions.  When break time is over, it helps to have a designated spot for their toy or break activities.  Hence, the "X."  For kids who have trouble keeping their hands off the game board when it is not their turn, making two x's with the tape gives them a clear spot on where their hands should be.

2.  For Directional and Spatial Tasks

I have some super fun road washi tape that my kids love creating little tracks or towns with.  In this case, we were working on spatial concepts above and below.  We had fun moving the dinosaur above the road, below the road, or on the road. 

3.  For Personal Space Boundaries 

I had a student last year who did not understand the concept of personal space and would be practically in my lap by the end of the session.  This is where that visual line of "your space" and "my space" comes in handy. 

4.  Group Data Collection

This saves me from flipping from folder to folder to take data.  I typically don't see my students in groups more than two, but in this case, I had some sessions to make up and did not have a choice.  This is so much easier and manageable than flipping between folders! 

5.  Taking Data in the Classroom

Need to get some data for generalization?  No problem!  Slap some washi tape on the pant leg and go at it!

6.  Organizing my Calendar

I am all about the planner.  I have been using my washi tape to block out certain weeks.  Not to mention there are about a billion patterns and colors to choose from, so color coding is super easy!

You can find washi tape for sale here!

Happy Speeching!

-Courtney