I’ll be honest…when I first started working in the schools as a speech language pathologist (SLP), I wouldn’t have been able to tell you what speech sounds (how you say/pronounce sounds) had to do with reading. I probably would’ve said nothing, and I would have been SO WRONG. Kids with speech sound difficulties, like not being able to say their … Read More
19 Zucchinis: The Easiest Way to Grow Your Child’s Vocabulary
We know that hearing and learning new vocabulary is important, especially for kids who are deaf and hard of hearing. But, what if I told you there is a super simple way to introduce, practice, and repeat new vocabulary in context? And that it takes very little effort on your part? Enter….books. Seriously. Reading with your child is one of … Read More
Listening Activity: Free Audiobooks with Hoopla
Lately when I get into the car with my children (currently almost 3 and almost 1), I’ve been wanting an alternative to turning on the radio. My kids aren’t interested in most of the podcasts on my list, although we do listen to them now and then. Recently though I started to wonder–why aren’t we listening to audiobooks? We know … Read More
Resources for Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) Parents and Therapists: the Book Share Time website
I absolutely love using books in therapy. There is a strong connection between listening and spoken language skills and literacy. Children need to hear and understand sounds, learn vocabulary, and so much more in order to be great readers. The road to reading starts at the very beginning of a child’s journey to learn to listen and talk. So, whenever … Read More
Sea Lions, Giraffes, and Monkey Faced Squirrels, Oh My
Like so many other parents, I’m always looking for easy and quick ways to provide my kiddos with rich language experiences. I’ve read the research about how the more you talk to your kids, the better their language and vocabulary will be. I want them to be immersed in letters and words and have read the 1,000 books before Kindergarten, … Read More