Sublime Speech

Easy Student Motivators for Therapy!

SublimeSpeech — Sun, 08 Jan 2017 21:45:23 +0000

Motivating students is a very important skill for SLPs and therapists. When students are motivated, they work hard and enjoy their time in therapy. Progress occurs more quickly and is long-lasting. Let’s be honest, boring isn’t beneficial (for most students) and finding an easy and engaging way to motivate students helps! As a young SLP I spent a lot of time and money motivating my students. Did it work? Yes. Was it necessary and maintainable? Not necessarily. As I have progressed in my career, I have learned that motivating students can be extremely simple and cheap! Here are some of my favorite ways to motivate students in therapy.

Easy speech/language decoration activities:

My students LOVE to decorate my room for the seasons. I have found a very easy way to make this a speech/language activity. I simply find a line-art image(s) to print out large enough (1/2-full sheet) to be written on and decorated. For my language groups we encorporate a book or activity into the decorating. We may write vocab words, answers, etc. onto the graphics. For articulation we write season-themed words onto the decorations and practice them before decorating. The decorating is only 3-5 minutes of the session because we use paint daubers to decorate.

When completed, I cut them out an put them up on my cabinet. They love this activity and will come in to find their decoration in future sessions – I may review the items on the decoration, have them say their words again, etc. Easy!

Finger Lights:

We all know that card decks get stale very quickly. We spice them up with these cheap finger lights from the party favor section of Target. (You can find them elsewhere too) I give each student one light and they use them to point to things on the card/book, point to their answer, etc.

I have really seen an increase in participation from students during their turn as well as during other students’ turns. They don’t need another motivator during the session when these beauts are involved.

Spinners and Tallies:

Never underestimate the simplicity of tally points. I simply printed off this chart for my groups of students and place it into a dry erase sleeve. After their turn, they get to spin (eliminates the pesky dice roll which takes too long) and add the points to their total. We often have a 2-minute drill at the end where we have the first person to accurately answer getting a point and go until the session is over. Who knew that it just takes tallies?

Friendly Competition:

In my therapy room we use several apps and articulation activities in small groups or quick individual sessions. I selected a few of those to display record-holders on our board. We utilize Listen Close & Missing Letter apps from Erik X. Raj, Cup Stack Challenge (how many cups they can stack from our Articulation Towers), and a 5-minute challenge. During the 5-minute challenge a student says their words independently and we count how many correct productions are made in 5 minutes. They are very motivated to get their names onto the board and keep them there. And by doing this, they are motivated to say as many accurate productions of their words in short sessions! Win-Win!

Dauber Sheets:

There are a TON of these sheets available on TpT. General reinforcers, 100 challenge pages, etc. are great for keeping students focused and motivated. On articulation sheets I either have them say their words as they dot them or I have them keep track of accuracy with two colors of daubers for correct and incorrect responses. They love seeing how many they can finish in a session and when they are finished I let them hang them up for a week.

(Pictured activity from Busy Bee Speech found here)

Erasers:

Have you seen those cheap $1 packs of erasers at Target? Grab a few packs for therapy. We use them in many ways but one that we use a lot is as a general reinforcer. Simply have students spin/roll after a turn and collect that many erasers as “points”. I suggest a small bowl or container to put them in or they will likely be played with by students. Other uses include coverings for 100 challenges if you don’t want to paint dot them, bingo chips, etc. These can also be found on sites like Oriental Trading and Amazon. EASY!

Motivating doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. It is not necessary to play games as a reinforcer. Something simple like the motivators above will be easy to implement and will increase the motivation of your students.

HOW DO YOU MOTIVATE YOUR STUDENTS?

Summer Prep Part I – Getting Organized

SublimeSpeech — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 05:44:15 +0000

Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.

~A. A. Milne

Summer is a great time to get ready for the busy Autumn ahead. No matter what setting you are in, organization is a key element to successful therapy. This year I have put together 2 organizational tools for you.

The first is mainly for School therapists. This SLP Organizer is perfect for creating a custom organizer for all of those dates and paperwork you need!

Pre-made cover

Various section pages for organization and a blank template for additional areas.

Year at a glance for 2 years, 12 months of monthly calendars, 3 types of To-Do List pages.

Meeting Notes, Schedule, Lesson Plans, Communication Log, Progress Chart, Therapy Notes, Caseload, & Student Attendance Log.

Year at a Glance IEP/Eval Dates, IEP at a Glance, IEP Meeting Notes, Monthly Eval Dates, CEU Course Log, CEU Notes, Blank templates

This product can be found here and is on sale for the remainder of July!

For more generic planning I have put together an SLP Planning Calendar:

Fun cover

Weekly Calendars with quotes

Monthly Calendars with quotes (June ’14-September ’15)

Dates to Remember Page

Notes Page

This product can be found here and is on sale for the remainder of July!

And, if you’re in need of the simple basics, a simple wall calendar may be more of your style. Here is an example of a wall calendar that I created:

This product can be found here and is on sale for the remainder of July!

The most important thing about becoming an organized SLP is to find a system that works for you. No two SLP organizational systems are the same. Please share your organizational tips below!

Tricks of the Trade Blog Hop

SublimeSpeech — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 12:00:00 +0000

I am SO excited for this new blog hop! If this is your first stop… welcome! Some of my favorite SLP blogs are sharing Tricks of the Trade with you through this hop. These are things that we have learned or do in our therapy that we love and want to share with you! Hopefully you’re finding some great ideas to integrate into your therapy rooms! If you’d like to start from the beginning, head to the bottom of this post and click on the First Blog graphic. If you’re ready to move on to the next blog, click the Next Blog graphic. When you have hopped through and grabbed all of the letters that we have posted in our blog hop posts, head over to Allison’s Speech Peeps to enter to win one of the TpT gift cards that we have up for grabs!

Now, for my “Trick of the Trade” I wanted to give you some great ways to utilize Google Chrome and Google Drive to make your life easier and to enhance therapy! Here are my top 5 ways to utilize Chrome/Drive for therapy and in general!

1. Drive – Forms

You can utilize google forms for creating data tracking forms like the one above. Simply create a form that allows you to choose the client (I just use initials), the date/time, minutes seen, etc. and a data box and you’re all set. This form automatically puts the submitted information into an excel-like document that you can view and/or print out! This form is accessible from any computer or tablet which makes it very portable! This has really helped me to stay organized!

2. Chrome – Bookmarks/Apps

So, why should you use Chrome over other browsers like Explorer, Firefox, and Safari? Here are a few reasons. When logged in, your bookmarks, history, apps, themes, and much more are automatically synced to any computer that you log in to. This is really nice for traveling SLPs and for syncing home and work preferences. Also, if where you work wipes your machine each year like they do at mine, your bookmarks will be lost using other browsers. With Chrome they are hosted remotely so nothing will be lost. Also, Chrome has “Apps” which are shown in the photo above. You can look for free apps to utilize in therapy and/or to help you with your paperwork, etc. Some of the ones I am looking into are pictured above including an age calculator and IEP Writer (interesting!). Chrome also has “extensions” like “Youtube Options” that removes the ads and surrounding videos on YouTube! Perfect for showing YouTube in sessions without those sketchy “R Rated” movie ads and weird video suggestions afterwards!

3. Drive – Docs

Utilize Google Drive – Docs to create Office-type documents including Documents, Presentation, Spreadsheets, Forms, and Drawings! These creations can be edited remotely by as many as you’d like through the share feature! This can make collaboration with staff, parents, and other SLPs much easier! You can create documents to utilize in therapy as well and access it through Drive from any computer! You can also upload any Microsoft Office product into Drive which converts it, if selected, to a Google Doc automatically! Perfect for storing documents and for editing and sharing documents with others!

4. Drive – Collaboration

As I stated above, you can collaborate with others utilizing Google Drive/Docs. After uploading or creating a document, you can customize the share options. You can share the link or publicly. It can also remain private or be shared with specific e-mails only. I have utilized this to create professional development presentations with other group members as well as working collaboratively with other SpEd team members on accommodations for testing and other scheduling information. It’s great to have something that automatically saves your work as you edit! No lost work! I encourage you to try out drive!

5. Chrome – Google+

Utilizing Google+ can be a great way to connect with other SLPs, friends, coworkers, and family. For SLP purposes, you can follow other SLP bloggers and interact with them through communities and by following them in your circles. You will first need to “upgrade” to Google+ (free to do) and update your profile with a bit of information. I suggest at least adding a current photo, place of work, and any other information you feel comfortable sharing. Then, I would suggest finding some people to follow in your circles and google communities to join! A few that I follow are Speech and Language Therapy, Disability & Assistive Technology Today, Pediatric & School Based Therapy Group on Google+, EdTech, and more! Dive in!

So, there are 5 ways to utilize Google Chrome and Drive/Docs/Communities for yourself and in therapy! I hope it gives you some good ideas about the amazing resources that Google has created! Please let me know how you utilize it and/or any questions that you may have!

On to the hop… here is the next letter you will need to collect to be eligible for the big prizes! Write it down and head to the next blog! Good luck!

Also, head to Facebook and “like” Sublime Speech for goodies!!!

Allison’s Speech Peeps	The Dabbling Speechie	Speech Room News	Busy Bee Speech
Live Love Speech	Sublime Speech	Playing with Words 365	Super Power Speech
Speech Room Style	Lets Talk Speech Therapy	Teach Speech 365	Crazy Speech World
Let’s Talk	The Speech Bubble	Speech Time Fun	Home Sweet Speech Room

InLinkz.com

Jamberry Bash! Nails and Freebies!

SublimeSpeech — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 17:31:00 +0000

Did I just say nails and freebies? You bet! This is a fun little post about something that I have recently discovered and LOVE… Jamberry Nails!

My SLP Blogger buddies Felice, Carrie, and Jenn are Consultants for Jamberry which is sold through parties much like 31 bags, Mary Kay, and tupperware! This week, Felice is hosting a party for me! I’m stoked to host a bash and spread the word about this fun product! I love that these vinyl wraps can be applied for about $4 per application and last 2-3 weeks on fingers and 4-6 weeks on toes! Much cheaper and easier to do than a mani/pedi at a spa!

It’s super-easy to do! You simply heat up the strip (I use a small space heater but you can use a blow dryer) and place them on your nails. Press on and file the ends… and BAM! It’s done! I’m not a girly-girl and rarely keep my nails painted because it’s so time-consuming and just chips off in a day or two. But, I just LOVE these! I’ve been rocking some grey dots and mint dots since trying them a few weeks ago! Here are a few of my favorite designs that are in my cart, ready to check out:

I would love for you to get to try these out. You can easily purchase through my party this week by heading to this link to check out the designs or join my Facebook party. When you check out, you’ll select “Danielle’s Hopping Jamberry Bash” Party If you make a purchase from my Jamberry party, e-mail me and I will send you a choice of product for free! WooHoo! Gorgeous nails AND free speechie materials! Awesome! This party ends on Friday so get your shopping on!

Using QR Codes in Speech Therapy!

SublimeSpeech — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 01:09:00 +0000

Have you discovered the magic of QR codes yet? Or do you see these little squares around town and on your favorite products and wonder, “Who created this crazy box-o-dots?”. QR Codes are really Quick Response Codes. They are a type of matrix barcode that came to us from Japan. The QR Code has become popular due to its fast readability and greater storage capacity compared to standard UPC barcodes that we are used to. The QR code is read by an imaging device, such as a camera or phone.

The great thing is that kids LOVE scanning these little boxes and they are extremely motivating in therapy. Here are a few ways that I have incorporated QR Codes into therapy recently:

Articulation Scavenger Hunts:

Create several QR codes using one of the sites below and post around your building for a fun scavenger hunt. I posted QR code clues around the building that, when scanned, revealed the text for the next clue. I tried to include as many of the target sounds in both the clue and the destination (This is where you draw and create masterpieces – art room). Students began in my room with their first clue. They scan it using the free SCAN app on my phone (or iPad – most tablets and smart phones can access a scanning app) and read the clue aloud to practice their sounds and head off to their next location. I have about 10 clues/stops on the hunt and this takes about 20 minutes but that’s mostly because my building is 3 floors and we explore it all! I also create a worksheet on Microsoft Word that contains all of the clues and lines for filling in the answers. You can download my example of a /r/ QR Code Scavenger Hunt here!

Vocabulary:

Create QR codes to accompany any new vocabulary task for students. These QR codes can simply link to an image of the vocabulary to add a visual. It can also lead them to a website with more information about the word. To create these codes using links, simply go to a QR generator site and plug in the desired link and create the QR code. This is also great for listening comprehension about nonfiction topics.

Homework:

How about sending a QR code home with students? When students have smart phone, tablet, or iPod access, there are so many websites that are accessible from those devices! It’s very easy to create QR Codes and you know kids will love to scan them which may mean that they actually do their homework! You can also upload PDFs of worksheets you have made to a public access like dropbox or google docs and send it home via a QR Code. You can easily send instructions to parents or even e-mail the QR code (you can scan it off of a screen!) to parents. Plus, you’ll be saving trees = happy planet!

QR Voice Codes:

Scan this code with your app/computer:

So as you can hear, this fun code will say whatever you type. This is great for use with students who are not readers. It can be used to give clues for the scavenger hunt, give quick info about other tasks, etc. But most of all… it’s just fun! I created this code here.

QR Codes on Objects:
If working with younger students, you could place QR codes on objects with links to audio files that pronounce the item or to websites that give a name and definition or more information.

QR Code Materials:
Several teachers and SLPs have begun using QR codes in their materials. These can be found by searching for QR Codes on TpT. You can also add QR Codes to materials you have already made, including word, powerpoint, and other projects.

Social media links:
A great way to network with other SLPs, parents, and colleagues is to QR code your e-mail, twitter, address, blog, etc. This can be added to business cards, e-mails, websites, etc.

Resource List:
QR Code Readers – Mobile Devices:
Kaywa.com QR Code Reader
QR Reader for iPhone
NeoReader
Qrafter (iPad too)

Desktop Readers (for use with webcams):
QuickMark (PC)
QuikMark (Mac)
iCandy

Code Generators:
Kaywa.com
QRStuff (Colored QRCodes – See Below!)
Delivr
snap.vu
Mobile Barcoder (Firefox add-on)
QR-Code Tag Extension (Chrome)
Qrafter (iPad/iPhone)
Barcode Generator (Android)

Be creative and include your students. How else do you use QR Codes? I’d love to add your suggestion to this post (with your permission!).

(Try it out – Use this purple QR Code to send others to this post!)

“Games” and Speech/Language Therapy

SublimeSpeech — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 16:23:00 +0000

“Man, it must be such a blast to be a Speech Teacher. I mean, all you do is play games all day right?”

How often have you resisted the urge to “school” somebody who says something this misinformed? We’ve been having our annual observations by administrators and I’m constantly concerned that they might observe a session where I utilize a mainstream game (aka non-therapy product) to target IEP goals. You see, by the time they reach upper elementary most kids have played the “therapy games” 153 times and are positively SICK of them! And, to be honest, I’m sick of them too!

I began compiling games for therapy when I took my current position. Prior to this, I worked with nonverbal students, Early Childhood, etc. I get most of my games for SUPER cheap at thrift stores. I frequent those on Saturdays while I run errands. Some of my games were even the ones I had as a child… free is best right? I’ve found that sometimes teachers who have kids will have some of the games I’m on the hunt for and don’t have any problem loaning/donating them to your room.

I wanted to share with you some of the games I use and what I use them to target:

Oodles of Doodles – In this game students are given a category in which there are objects/people/events, etc. When it is their turn, they draw the items on their card on a board with dry erase markers. Their team/partner attempts to guess what they are drawing. This game targets expressive language in a different way. Instead of naming shapes, colors, sizes, function, etc. of an object… they must draw it to get the partner to accurately guess it. It also reinforces categorization skills and expressive language task of naming objects/events. Sometimes I allow them to use different color dry erase markers to reinforce color attributes. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust which cards are available to draw from because some are too difficult for younger children.

Blurt– This game targets the expressive task of naming vocabulary and word-retrieval. This is one of my favorite games for 3^rdgrade and above. Each card has a “riddle” of sorts on it which describes an object, etc. I am usually the reader and give this clue. The first kid to “blurt” the answer moves ahead. There are several ways to vary this game for differing levels. Again, keep in mind that you may need to “throw out” harder cards. There are differing levels for this game and it would be appropriate for middle/high school as well!

Headbanz– A speech room classic. If you don’t have this in your speech room please go get in your car, drive to the nearest Target/Wal-Mart and purchase it! This is my go-to for younger (well, even older kids love it) students to work on ASKING questions. I give them prompts and help them as needed. This also works on students who need work on answering questions. Students place a card on their head without looking at it and begin asking WH questions to narrow down what they might be (What color am I? Where would you find me?). The only con is that sometimes the illustration keeps kids from accurately answering certain questions (color, etc.). A simple “Yes, that’s the color of it on the picture but what can it be in REAL life” helps to change that! Pro is that this is EXTREMELY motivating… they find it hilarious!

TriBond Kids/Jr.– Occasionally we will pull out this game with my older students as it is pretty challenging. Students are given 3 things/names/places and asked what they have in common. It’s great for students working on categorization and vocabulary skills but again, can be pretty difficult. Be prepared to modify the game to your needs.

Taboo Junior/For Kids– This is one of my favorite games for therapy. It works on SO many things! If you’ve played the adult Taboo… this is just the junior version. Students draw a card with a word at the top that they must get their team to guess… without using the words listed below! It’s very tough for expressive language kiddos to do this without prompting at first. Here are some things we’ve discovered Taboo works on: Synonyms, antonyms, functions, shape, size, color, location, vocabulary, and so much more! For receptive vocabulary it can also be great for identifying the word given through the clues. There is very little I have to do to adapt this for therapy. You do need to have readers but typically this game is successful with my 3^rd graders and above.

Outburst Junior – Another great one for naming things within a category. Students are given a category and race against the clock to name as many things in that category as they can. Their opponents can steal unsaid things at the end! While the most recent version of this game would be best, I have a 1989 version that is nearly 25 years old. I have to throw out some cards that are no longer relevant to my kids but other categories never change!

Cariboo– When I found this at a thrift store for 75 cents I nearly died! It can go for so much more than that on Amazon/Ebay! I usually use it for a simple reinforcer game but it can be used for identifying colors, numbers, and shapes for Early Childhood kiddos. You can also easily adapt the cards on it with artic/language cards. Kids unlock squares to find hidden bouncy balls which are placed in a chute to open the treasure box. (Cariboo Island is a little easier to find and has a similar game structure)

Password Jr.– This game is one I typically use with expressive language kiddos. It can also be used for artic carry-over etc. Students try to get their teammate to say the “password” by describing it in only a few words. (Baby: A small human) I also created a “Secret Word” game that is very similar to Password and will work with the decoders provided in the game (I’ve put it on sale for only $1 until 2/8/13!). It targets CCSS vocabulary. Pros – great for describing terms. Cons – students need to be readers unless you can whisper the word quietly enough which is surprisingly hard to do!

Jenga/Jumbling Towers/Tumbling Towers– This is my most-requested game. I mainly use it for articulation as seen in this post. I write artic words on both sides of the blocks and when students pull that block they say the word or put it in a sentence before placing it at the top. Great for groups, speech centers, RtI, etc! You can typically get 50+ words/blocks before it falls. You can increase words said by having them say the words that are on each side of the block on each turn. I also have them say all of the words on the blocks as we put them back in the box. This gives me another 50+ words at the end of a session. Sometimes it’s difficult for my lower kids to understand that they can’t pull certain blocks or the whole thing will fall on the 3^rd turn of the game so you may need to prompt them. I’ve also thought about putting CCSS vocabulary on the blocks for each grade…

Many SLPs have made companions to some of the other games I have. I use my companion Sorry Synonyms & Apologetic Antonyms with my SORRY! game. Several SLPs have cards for artic that can be used with Cariboo, Candyland, etc. But, some of my games (Trouble, Connect 4, Blokus, etc.) are for reinforcement/reward only. They are games that kids can take turns independently with while I work with the other student in the room.

So the next time somebody says, “Man, it must be such a blast to be a Speech Teacher. I mean, all you do is play games all day right?” You can say, “Actually the kids think they are playing games but they are really increasing their overall language and articulation skills. But, yes, it IS such a blast to be a Speech-Language Pathologist!”!

So, what “mainstream” games are in your speech rooms and how do you use them?

(I will pick a random comment to win 1 free item from my TpT Store!)

Upcycling Magazine Ads

SublimeSpeech — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 04:03:00 +0000

It’s been a while since I’ve posted a true DIY. I’ve definitely missed it! This week I grabbed my pile of magazines and got to work creating a new material for my kiddos… a photo description book to target expressive language including grammar and vocabulary. Here’s how I did it:

Gather some old magazines… Most of them have GOBS of ads.
This is the only time I don’t mind that!

Clip out ads that feature people doing things… The best thing is that most ads have absolutely nothing to do with the product that they are featuring. Therefore, most of them are like these and feature a person doing something exciting. I used a small papercutter to quickly cut and size images. It’s definitely fine if they are all different sizes, you can adjust them later.

Print out the desired number of Freebie sheets (found here). Then grab some rubber cement and scissors.

Glue one picture per sheet. They will all be a little different and some may require trimming to fit.

Then enjoy with kiddos!

In my speech room, we use this to work on expanding sentence length, changing a sentence from present to past tense, and learning new vocabulary. In the photo above, for example, my friend took the photo (a Target ad) from “They are laying in snow” to “They are making a angel” to “The two girls are making a snow angel” to “Yesterday, the two girls were making a snow angel” to “Yesterday, the two girls made a snow angel”. It also works well in groups. We started with one student making a present-tense sentence and then passed the book to the next person to either expand/elaborate the sentence and/or make the sentence past-tense.

Total cost of this book: Time and old magazines. I just printed on regular pages and 3-hole punched them to add to a folder as seen above. However, other options are to place into page protectors and place in either a folder or binder.

How else have you Upcycled magazines for therapy?

Great Uses for Already-Used Containers

SublimeSpeech — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 22:29:00 +0000

Brace yourself for a mind-blowing post about… containers! We all know that our therapy materials take a lot of abuse throughout the years and containers are broken, torn, and lost. We also are a creative bunch and make many of our own materials. So I wanted to share a few of the containers that I use to organize my room:

Almond Containers like these are great for storing tiny pieces of anything. They also have a flip-top lid so you can easily poor and re-store all of the bits inside. I use them to contain things like SuperDuper chips as seen in the photo. (Cost: Almonds you healthy people already eat!)

Jewelry hangers like this one that I posted about last school year are great for storing decks of cards. You can find them at Target and other stores and it can store up to 48 decks… (Cost: $7.00 at Target)

It is a GREAT way to store those awesome decks from TpT SLPs as well:

Crystal Light plastic containers with lids (the ones that contain the big powder packets) are great for storing both large and small popsicle sticks. You can place a label on the inside of the container for quick identification of the sticks inside. (Cost: Drinking Crystal Light, or finding somebody that does)

Pringles aren’t just for snacking anymore. Clean out and use the containers to hold stacking cups for sight words/vocab/artic words. See this post for more on how to create the Artic Towers pictured here. (Cost: Eating Pringles… I get them from a teacher at my building that eats them!)

If you work with PECS symbols, you know how they can end up stuck to everything in your room but you can’t manage to find one quickly if you need to for a lesson, etc. I organize my extra PECS in “Really Useful Box“es. These are the small ones I found at an office supply store. The lids lock on and the boxes stack easily. (Cost: About $1 each for the small… they have several sizes).

Here are some other container ideas from Pinterest, etc.:

Coffee Containers: Use spray paint and a pretty polka dot label- great storage idea for little items.

Use juice or sports drink bottles to create “Search”/”Find It” bottles. Good for language (as seen here) as well as artic!

Toy Containers: After your little one snags the keychain or awful tattoo, snag the container. This is from the toy dispenser machine you seen in stores. (Cost: 25-50 cents)

Coffee Can: Cover with paper/label. Can be used for storing a game as seen here on the blog or for storing other small pieces/toys in your room.

Frosting Cans: Use to organize borders! They are also great for holding other small trinkets!

What else do you Re-cycle as storage in your therapy room and/or home? Share your comment below!

Listening Ladybugs: Following Directions Activity

SublimeSpeech — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 17:42:00 +0000

Following single- and multiple-step directions is an integral part of success in the classroom for children. Those with language disorders often have increased difficulty in following simple and complex directions heard or read. Many times, we see students simply watching the actions of the students around them in order to keep up with the pacing of a typical classroom. So, it’s not surprising that many of my language students work to follow increasingly more difficult directions as part of their therapy with me. However, it can get pretty monotonous so I have spiced it up a bit this month with “Listening Ladybugs” game.

One set of cards contains simple directions with up to 3-steps. You can customize by reading only the first and second directions to address 1- and 2-step directions. The jar cards add a bit of surprise when they tip and cause lady-bugs to spill out, when you get to take an extra turn, and when a group mate’s jar spills and you manage to capture one of their ladybugs!

The other set of cards contains complex directions with up to 3-steps. You can also customize by reading only the first and second directions to address 1- and 2-step directions. The jar cards are in this deck as well!

Usually I play with only one deck, either simple or complex. However, I have one group in which one student is working on complex and the other simple. For this group I simply had both decks out (separated) and drew from the appropriate deck for each student on their turn. It’s pretty easy to sort them back when you are finished.

I’ve used this in 3 groups so far and it has been a nice change. The students seem to enjoy it as they usually do with simple card games like this.

As part of my Sublime September giveaways, I’m offering this download as a bonus freebie for the remainder of September here for my blog followers. After that time, or if you could spare a few dollars to purchase it instead, it can be found on Teachers Pay Teachers.

Let me know how it works for you!

Fantastic Football!

SublimeSpeech — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 14:00:00 +0000

(Because it’s football season, I wanted to re-post this activity for you from May, ENJOY!)

I’m a sports girl. Give me a field and a ball and I’ll play! So, I love to integrate sports into my sessions. (It helps that the majority of my caseload is boys though most of my girls enjoy the activities too) The NFL draft was just a few weeks ago and then this weekend as I was perusing the dollar spot at my favorite store with a bulls-eye logo I found a great little item that I’ve turned into a football game. So, if you’re interested, go pick it up for $2.50 while it’s in stock! If you can’t find it or don’t want to spend $2.50 for this sturdy (chalk)board, there is a paper copy on the cards document for you!

This reinforcer game is simple. You start on the 20 Yard-Line and then begin drawing cards. The cards are passes, runs, and fouls for positive yardage as well as turnovers and fouls for negative consequences. The object is to get your pawn to the 0 yard line (TOUCHDOWN!) and score. Each time you do this, you may credit yourself/your team with 7 points and/or take a brown football “Touchdown Chip” provided in the document. The team/person with the most points/chips at the end of the game is declared the victor!

As usual, there are two links provided. One, of course, is the free document. However, as taking time to create and post materials adds up, I’ve begun uploading some documents to “Teachers Pay Teachers”. If you are willing to “purchase” that version instead of the freebie, I would greatly appreciate it. If not, the freebie is available to you as well. Either way, thanks for coming to visit Sublime Speech!

Grab the freebie here!

Support Sublime Speech by purchasing this resource here! (Thank you!!!)

Do you see other ways to use this material and/or the board? Please share with us!