Smile Mask: How To
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While individuals in our community are doing their part to slow the spread of Covid-19 by wearing face coverings, it has created a new challenge for those who rely or can benefit from lip reading. Mastering the new normal of communication with a face covering, while social distancing six feet away is difficult for anyone,…
Sensory Bin Fun!
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Sensory bins are a favorite tool of speech therapists, teachers and parents alike! They provide an immersive, hands-on opportunity for children to practice their speech and language skills. Here’s what you need to know to integrate this easy tool into your life. What is a sensory bin? Tub or container filled with materials carefully selected…
Activities to Celebrate Diversity
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Every day, adults and children alike are learning how to be more inclusive and celebrate the beautiful diversity in our world. Here are a few activities to help you and your family listen, learn, and grow in this pursuit. Read Reading books that have racially and culturally diverse characters help children see, learn about, and…
Hidden Messages
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How fun is this?! Create and send “secret messages” with this activity! This could also be a motivating way to sneak in some speech practice, too. Whether it’s a word list, short messages, a card or pictures of items with your child’s speech sounds, this is sure to be a hit! 1. Grab markers, a…
How to Get the Most Out of Toy Time
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A trip to the toy store isn’t so simple (or cheap) these days. Parents and kids are flooded with nearly every kind of toy imaginable—from trucks with loud sirens, dolls that talk, balls that flash, and tablets that do everything under the sun. Sometimes these toys can be fun, but they’re not always worth the…
Our Speech Therapists’ Five Favorite Picture Books for Kindergarteners
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Ding dong! Is that the bell? The school bell? Classes are starting across the country and that includes your kindergartener who you can’t believe is growing up so fast. Luckily there’s never a bad time to make a trip to the library or bookstore to find new books to enjoy with your child. Here are the five…
Five toys you have in your house right now that can help prepare your child for kindergarten
Toys, toys, toys! Not only can they be used for play, but also for teaching and preparing your child for school. There are all kinds of expensive educational toys available in stores today, but sometimes all it takes are the classics to introduce young kids to the basics of vocabulary, language concepts and following directions….
The Power of a Point
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By: Abbey Vielhaber Why Is Pointing Important? Helps direct attention to what we see or are thinking about Helps bridge the gap between 1-2 word phrases Why Do Children Point? To tell us something To ask a question To ask for something How to Respond when your Child Points: Label what they are pointing at…
Using “DIP” With Your Child
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By: Claire Slavik, M.A., CF-SLP WHAT is “DIP”? “DIP” stands for duration, intensity, and pitch. These features add meaning and variety to our words and help speech come to life! They are the qualities that can make our voice sound different from those around us. WHY is this important to use with my child? Showering…
It’s Not Just Play, It’s Hard Work!
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It might look like your child is “just playing,” but did you know play is hard work? Play provides opportunities for children to learn, grow, and develop their language skills, social and emotional skills, and their creativity. See below to find out what your child may be learning, while they are “just playing.” Circle Time…