Years ago I read a blog about using trains as a metaphor for turn-taking during conversations. I can’t find the blog, but it must have been written by Joel Shaul since he came out with a book with the same premise. I bought the book and it’s great for talking kids through conversation, but not …
Author: Amy
FREE app: Multiple Timers for Advanced Conversational Turn-Taking
For my patients who have mastered conversation trains I’ve been using this FREE app. I involve the kids in making their timer – they get to choose the timer’s color and symbol. This helps them see which timer is theirs and keeps them motivated to participate. One tap on a timer starts it, a second …
FREE Spinner for /r/ Drill
Drill is my least favorite technique and I think it’s the least favorite for my patients, too. But it can be so effective, especially when working on /r/! I’m constantly looking for new and fun ways to drill and I found this free spinner app. Some of my patients love the spinner! Each spinner I’ve …
SLP Telehealth Desk Setup
I’m still seeing 60% of my patients online. That means I only have the germs of 10 patients (plus their parents and myself) cycling through my treatment room. It also means that in the case I need to quarantine it will change nothing for the treatment of most of my patients. For the best telehealth …
COVID-19 Update: Same Storm, Different Boats
The more I check with parents about their thoughts and feelings about the upcoming approval of the COVID-19 vaccine for children the more I’m reminded of this. We each have different circumstances, experiences, and priorities and we’re each doing the best we can during this “storm.” My goal is to stay compassionate as I adapt …
Irregular Plurals with Li’l Woodzeez & Calico Critters
My in-person patients of all ages are loving my Li’l Woodzeez and Calico Critters sets. I originally bought the Li’l Woodzeez camper set (for $34.99) and the Li’l Woodzeez chipmunk family, which is apparently no longer available, (for $9.99) because I thought they were adorable, but I’ve since added pieces and sets to target various …
Irregular Plurals with Toca Life World
I made another tutorial for Toca Life World. In this one I show how to make a room to target irregular plurals. Unfortunately, there aren’t as many irregular plural targets with the free version of Toca Life World. Here are the addons you can buy to add more targets: Barn (for sheep) – $0.99 Dentist …
Zones Tool: Hot Cocoa Breaths
I’m loving this zones tool, which I got from here! I don’t have chocolate markers (and some of my telehealth kids don’t, either) so I just use a completely pretend version. To use this tool have a child pretend they’re holding a cup of hot cocoa. Have them first take a deep breath in through …
Regulation Tool: Hot Cocoa Breaths
I’m loving this zones tool, which I got from here! I don’t have chocolate markers (and some of my telehealth kids don’t, either) so I just use a completely pretend version. To use this tool have a child pretend they’re holding a cup of hot cocoa. Have them first take a deep breath in through …
Somatosensory Training with Books
One of the things that helped me the most with my struggles with anxiety was somatosensory training. At its most basic, somatosensory training helps us learn to pay attention to the way emotions feel in our bodies. This then allows us to address these emotions and keep ourselves regulated throughout the day. I love Listening …