tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85262094523328527792024-03-16T13:53:01.176-05:00Speech Lady LizTake-home sheets, therapy ideas, and resources for parents and professionalsElizabeth Gretzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339666089127068715noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8526209452332852779.post-51112394723351896572013-11-12T22:24:00.000-06:002013-11-12T22:24:47.022-06:00ASHA Convention Tips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6LLaTJnrFoTHhXUoGIvA4ltJKEwqQE04SiU8gaxd5veUVVFbrcLJwuZuYbb498OtS1lAc1DRPtatgFZ6KYHzBXAl3-Q0hLBNzoT08FEaNFH-P-qzTa_YdPy0l64p8SflDRCQ6cH0VjpZ/s1600/1.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_479544="null" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6LLaTJnrFoTHhXUoGIvA4ltJKEwqQE04SiU8gaxd5veUVVFbrcLJwuZuYbb498OtS1lAc1DRPtatgFZ6KYHzBXAl3-Q0hLBNzoT08FEaNFH-P-qzTa_YdPy0l64p8SflDRCQ6cH0VjpZ/s1600/1.bmp" zsa="true" /></a></div>
So many of you will be coming to the windy city for the ASHA convention this Thursday. I know <strong><u><em>I'm </em></u></strong>so excited to sit, listen, learn, meet and greet and relish in being apart of this amazing community. While I've only lived in Chicago for a year and a half I wanted to give you all some ideas on things you can do while you're here. <br />
1. First off it's sort of cold. I lived in Texas so I get the shock of this cold wind, however don't let people scare you. It's not that bad. Layer...and bring warm gloves and you'll be good to go!<br />
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2. Eat. Definitely a favorite topic of mine. I have so many favorite places. Here is a list of some of my favorites. Most are not near McCormick Place, but it's always fun to get into the neighborhoods of Chicago!<br />
Arami -I have definitely made reservations here already for the weekend! I dream daily about several dishes. <br />
Cafe Ba Ba Reeba-Favorite tapas place!<br />
Pasta Pallazzo -Get the jalapeno gnocchi or don't go at all....seriously<br />
Big Star-Great tacos and even better margaritas<br />
Quartinos-Italian tapas-loud, but fun and good for a group<br />
RPM Italian-If you can get a reservation it is sooooo worth it. Say hi to Giuliana Rancic for me ;)<br />
The Purple Pig-Right off Michigan Ave. and oh so good.<br />
Carnivale-Just a fun place<br />
Bongo Room-Really good brunch<br />
Mindy's Hot Chocolate- So good!<br />
Southport Grocer-Expect to wait, but the bread pudding pancakes are unreal.<br />
Edzo's-Burger city<br />
Green Zebra or Chicago Diner-If you're vegetarian<br />
Trencherman-Pickle tots...sounds weird, but do it!<br />
Caro Mio-Off the beaten path, but best homemade BYOB Italian EVER!<br />
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3. Activities:<br />
-Obviously Michigan Ave.<br />
-State Street shopping<br />
-Oak Street shopping (do you see a trend here)<br />
-Millennium Park<br />
-Signature Room at the Hancock Building (grab a drink and see the best view from the ladies bathroom)<br />
-Willis Tower (Just going to say I would rather get a cocktail and see the view from the Hancock Building and not be charged for the view). Everyone will tell you to go to the Willis Tower though. <br />
-Field Museum<br />
-Shedd Aquarium (I personally love the Shedd)<br />
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Alright, I could literally go on for days, but if you have any specific questions or need affirmations about already made plans just comment below and I will do my absolute best to answer!<br />
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Most importantly if you see me please say hi! I can't wait to mingle and talk with you all and I'm so excited I stayed up waaaay past my sad 9:30pm bedtime to make this for you all.<br />
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Make sure to follow me on Instagram and see where I'm at during the convention!Elizabeth Gretzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339666089127068715noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8526209452332852779.post-8590011497355506092013-11-07T18:17:00.000-06:002013-11-07T18:17:52.178-06:00Holy HiatusI’m sure you’re all thinking, “Wait, who is Speech Lady Liz?” Yes, I sincerely apologize for my leave of absence the past several months/year. It’s been quite a trying time. Some great things and some not so great things have happened and I found it very important to limit my obligations and just live my life more. Also, my personal computer is dying each second I type this so that hasn't helped either. That being said, I feel as if I've sort of got my "you know what" together and I'm ready to attempt this blog world again. My hesitation is that this speechie blog world has changed completely since I started Speech Lady Liz. TPT stores out the wazoo and so many wonderful products that I can't even imagine having the energy to make. Seriously, how do you people do it???? So while I attempt to regain my readership and post on a consistent basis I am going to need your help. I'm not going to be able to put together packets of 26 pages worth of materials. I have some ideas on how I can do this site, but I need you to make sure to let me know when something is awesome and you want more of it and when you're less than thrilled about a post. I promise I won't be offended (In fact comment on this post with any ideas as I'm afraid you've all left me)! So I'm going to attempt to navigate this new blog world in a different light. I'm just not sure I've figured out that exact light yet. Nothing like flying by the seat of your pants. That is a requirement in this job though, right?<br />
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Elizabeth Gretzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339666089127068715noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8526209452332852779.post-62840716724436929102013-06-03T14:26:00.001-05:002013-06-03T14:26:50.690-05:00"Moore" Ways to Support SLPs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I just bought and downloaded bundle #1 and #2 of tons of therapy activities donated to help benefit the SLPs effected by the tornadoes in Moore, Oklahoma.</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Two-Moore-Ways-to-Support-SLPs-Bundle-1-713015" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitUa7VvIEvnk1_QuMxZleQUehms6PHfLL4mil-_-DzxRHQKAwTl34_xFh6ylXp0yAx3H1BC7JNDAIo28_B1GxYmzi9fZO_HYz07hVVfVFD6mNk8nGxyyQMP1FadrfX1ntd8F_qE4vIZ3kK/s1600/home-713015-1.jpg" yya="true" /></a> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHe6nRdLXN98aOTKAKZUg8t1KYGoJwvcKBU_3nHgD8qIrZA7KozWzYA__Yh9XMwF1eun62ShrvFm0zpWiFDj5BLUVuLD4h12XlDDcWNVPUcTOt1TDT7R39AL8kCuObkdOaYRq4yVgPx1k/s1600/home-713321-1.jpg" yya="true" /></div>
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This SLP blogging community is pretty sensational. While I've been rather absent I continue to be amazed at what so many SLPs are creating with their limited time. Now they've put together amazing bundles of downloadables for the benefit of colleagues effected by such a tragic loss. </div>
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Make sure to click the link below to grab your bundles and help support these SLPs who have lost everything. All the proceeds go directly to the Moore SLPs. </div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Slpscareforok" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07lQFz9cxJBMkUfjQNoCXMS_xUMlCW291FiTM4y559027nARXq2jxL_tHBbhzmyvRDnhAuTO1unMRFleF25Xgux67z9ieywOWObMPUmTqffs8UXiB1v88xZFB0uVEqYpjwqmRondhnuOv/s320/SLPsCareLogo.jpg" width="320" yya="true" /></a></div>
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Elizabeth Gretzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339666089127068715noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8526209452332852779.post-88983049851856060232012-12-21T09:00:00.000-06:002012-12-21T09:00:11.898-06:00January-Homework<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On the twelfth day of posting this Speech Lady gave to me, a reminder to download homework!</div>
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<a href="http://www.speechladyliz.blogspot.com/2012/01/january-take-home-program.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXQm49k288w1cZa7_TTPrpzw6TVEKA40qY2lrUANMqlDU_j9EExv-6syWJKqisOMAX1Acq_JN1CDqYM626W2-qgnd6DJkqoVSxvKW9ngFnEiShroKGBiI7EUlkd-9rQCWIfvQociQPXjX/s1600/january.jpg" tea="true" /></a></div>
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Don't forget to download homework for the month of <a href="http://www.speechladyliz.blogspot.com/2012/01/january-take-home-program.html" target="_blank">January</a>!</div>
Elizabeth Gretzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339666089127068715noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8526209452332852779.post-38454720957405769282012-12-20T12:00:00.000-06:002012-12-20T12:00:05.570-06:00End of the Week SLP Blues-Winter Edition<div style="text-align: center;">
On the eleventh day of posting this Speech Lady gave to me, some ideas for the last week of therapy. </div>
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<a href="http://speechladyliz.blogspot.com/2012/01/let-it-snow.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" closure_uid_xhk9ip="5" gda="true" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHp6T8Ls2GjwFY_ni6Tj0P2UMPSWJqs4DDwTZhTOCHtC41XMC87c-5bkuU8QuICvkDh84u_GQDNbUGNDrfgwt9ctVex0KVpQH_tX2HS201frc-yC0F8QPHo601rqzmQ5fDC1gPpQgUqjA/s200/IMG_20120124_164143.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://speechladyliz.blogspot.com/2011/12/merry-christmas-happy-chanukah-jolly.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" closure_uid_lumtcx="2" height="200" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jNFDHKmuy-8VZcmZTsQUpR0kE6NotWFdtKAklQ47a9hZwLpmENqI7QpjasNsbecx0Z3fc6nafCtX5dSk80hzjQ9YhtK73E4OblloYVPfLsd1Q11MwdBZgcV7aBzUwJkQivbVviMZebmd/s200/christmas+tree.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://speechladyliz.blogspot.com/2012/01/this-week.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" closure_uid_b8ew4f="6" height="200" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvE_lm2TUDYYPCzNCPj6v2vvhBotNw1x5VfWVx3Y41SHYZaqP8F2_Jqt7zmNxkFdKTyLHGQU1r1lC62piqcW2ki5S7dWMK1h_6Frk_A-nhNia8nVa_p4yFcb30AdJJXIWS7zmz4BDOWpXC/s200/41XSADDZBML__SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Back in the day when this Speech Lady had time to make all kinds of therapy activities I had not one, not two, but three winter posts <a href="http://speechladyliz.blogspot.com/2011/12/merry-christmas-happy-chanukah-jolly.html" target="_blank">here </a>, <a href="http://speechladyliz.blogspot.com/2012/01/this-week.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://speechladyliz.blogspot.com/2012/01/let-it-snow.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Don't worry I'm laughing at myself thinking about a.) how busy I was at work and b.) my days in Austin and the snow. Chicago has no pity on me now. </div>
Elizabeth Gretzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339666089127068715noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8526209452332852779.post-8570116545288709172012-12-19T18:57:00.001-06:002012-12-19T21:09:45.921-06:00Appy Holidays!<div style="text-align: center;">
On the tenth day of posting this Speech Lady gave to me, the apps that make her (h)appy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqigBSbILY1XljVgoZ5DPWm9m9XJYWHmC7z7x5YFNAbi5BXpbDBUkaQRjAeK-AzIKeUYwmuIlMenXXGSlnfJ6z1PDIdDZ1i4bg9jSL20P7zW-8xdonzrW5Mbh7l-Ayb8UUGPH7boU9qS-j/s1600/sonicpics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqigBSbILY1XljVgoZ5DPWm9m9XJYWHmC7z7x5YFNAbi5BXpbDBUkaQRjAeK-AzIKeUYwmuIlMenXXGSlnfJ6z1PDIdDZ1i4bg9jSL20P7zW-8xdonzrW5Mbh7l-Ayb8UUGPH7boU9qS-j/s200/sonicpics.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sonicpics/id345295488?mt=8" target="_blank">SonicPics</a>-$2.99</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQ_0c38_9Z9MCANZ3LCVKucTj0D6CFP_WVoyfWSRwT3F6_QKl4OBwcijgBPpkrJPyI6qKoYdECkalYcnTSVvhFW-N4mpaSY3Ajpyw_eH-sQjZi3iSQA2EtFNHJG-2C0lhFRDqP4hNMSkN/s1600/sound+sorting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQ_0c38_9Z9MCANZ3LCVKucTj0D6CFP_WVoyfWSRwT3F6_QKl4OBwcijgBPpkrJPyI6qKoYdECkalYcnTSVvhFW-N4mpaSY3Ajpyw_eH-sQjZi3iSQA2EtFNHJG-2C0lhFRDqP4hNMSkN/s1600/sound+sorting.jpg" /></a></div>
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2. <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/beginning-sounds-interactive/id465479183?mt=8" target="_blank">Sound Sorting Beginning Sounds</a>-$0.99</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Rl80YEkAjflPT1__RK9qbx3m93H4YeOW0aSad_fSVrsIL3sDWWU5N8Fxr3wYW59FtEVJoAvqRoJT6mEbw-wLS1r-20NFHBF7Jsn3XKK1EQlmPTAMuxizNzJdVw0HDqOEH7zwtiaG9yjF/s1600/my+life+skills+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Rl80YEkAjflPT1__RK9qbx3m93H4YeOW0aSad_fSVrsIL3sDWWU5N8Fxr3wYW59FtEVJoAvqRoJT6mEbw-wLS1r-20NFHBF7Jsn3XKK1EQlmPTAMuxizNzJdVw0HDqOEH7zwtiaG9yjF/s1600/my+life+skills+box.jpg" /></a></div>
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3. <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mylifeskillsbox/id534918056?mt=8" target="_blank">My Life Skills Box</a>-Free however you buy additional sequences/stories for $0.99 each<br />
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Check them out!</div>
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These app recommendations are purely my opinion and I have not been provided with codes to review these nor have I received any other kind of compensation to review these apps. </div>
Elizabeth Gretzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339666089127068715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8526209452332852779.post-87868361885926230002012-12-18T12:00:00.000-06:002012-12-18T12:00:04.982-06:00Language and Conversation Builder Review<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
On the 9th day of posting this Speech Lady gave to me, two apps that she uses all the time!!</div>
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The wonderful people over at Mobile Education have patiently waited as I've taken forever to put up this review. Trust me, it's not because I haven't been using it. These are some of my most frequented apps currently!</div>
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<a href="http://mobile-educationstore.com/apps/narrative-skills/language-builder-for-ipad-2/" target="_blank"><img border="0" eea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3G6KXaejBhrwY8SpAixpDqI64FGwa2Jaa134TJ8qJ6vJXqiXYsnIy3AWRtS2f8_o3VwdLefYxArDLVkJD2PcqARPFXn0laG_G27-HhIkr5tsOhi9clVF0F4f0Wd2VNdk3x4T4K010jGC/s1600/language+builder.jpg" /></a></div>
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Language Builder has some pretty exciting awards such as: </div>
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Winner – 3rd best educational app of 2011 by AppsForHomeschooling.com</div>
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Winner – 9th best educational app of 2011 by SmartAppsForKids.com</div>
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This app is a wonderful addition to your arsenol as you increase MLU (mean length of utterance), increase your student's lexicon and work on syntax. </div>
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Below is the home screen.</div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/languagebuilder-for-ipad/id405801365?mt=8" target="_blank"><img border="0" eea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivAW10UgqH2-OzZg_whb1ZUxBdG7Q3P3FSz2A0k0yZMCRYIolr6uG7mO2-TTG_tIuDeKK27e44L_nBihq3LjYi6tTAI6CqkNslU9fo7mb2SXp3g0MGbdjDHGNOJc_ZU1Gczuq_P6IbbyY0/s320/7.PNG" width="240" /></a></div>
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It allows you to track by each child's name, choose hint level (see below) and pick the picture theme most appropriate for your students. Depending on the level of your child you can turn off the audio and you can also choose what hint level your student is at. </div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/languagebuilder-for-ipad/id405801365?mt=8" target="_blank"><img border="0" eea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sCMYAIgsrqGtJ73TtJRJ1JlRbTZmIucGm402_lXgJA2A1Sx24v6WI78g1BoDLHqfnAu-5eLcb7sacs5SkQsW0QVF21fbje1lKwP0mLoJx7hJLImpFzrbwWAAproK8bDSTo85gzNeoIYO/s320/0.PNG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Level 1 Hint: A sentence is given with two blanks. The student can then fill in the blanks with appropriate words. </div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/languagebuilder-for-ipad/id405801365?mt=8" target="_blank"><img border="0" eea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBJaLQ7TpAFIKyKvvir58lahjUgJsqHGl0kr-DXl2i2Z6a4UiqBmB29a1tikECqZ2Jm37MzEKv5FOyOhPG0CSF968GuYrfbjRZk2P0x8U2JZ-KpT6gfVaEYJFKvJdTKOPOqnqJNj-iSib/s320/1.PNG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Level 2 Hint: Level 2 gives the student a carrier type phrase to help them start the sentence related to the picture. </div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/languagebuilder-for-ipad/id405801365?mt=8" target="_blank"><img border="0" eea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyX5yEiA_TnVzMtTHJJjRnAf8XmrSiFV3cv36KY9jxKy35VRczwGC6jSYsN4fEMLE_niPyC4No2VWZdrxCFnEBl1zlE948Jo8f4HcE-Oc1d5qdMPJ_nNJZk-YrIjuG_xALtKhvQKcmZXaJ/s320/2.PNG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Level 3 Hint: Gives the student an auditory clue. It gives them key words to use as they build the sentence. </div>
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Within each of these levels you can record the sentence your student produces. This recording can then be archived to send yourself or playback to your student as reinforcement or another teaching method. </div>
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I've used this a lot with my older kids that I want to increase the amount and complexity of their utterances. I would definitely recommend this one and you can get it <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/languagebuilder-for-ipad/id405801365?mt=8" target="_blank">here</a> for $9.99</div>
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They were also generous enough to provide me with the code for Conversation Builder</div>
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<a href="http://mobile-educationstore.com/apps/social-skills-apps/conversation-builder/" target="_blank"><img border="0" eea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhxc5ElVfYmnB6EjiSobMNu60DvAwJgGoabd8k1y7DhXYf3UPvfK5-46nsOp_LW_i0Q0z3Hpd32VUPtUBpXF-m_nZTAxlrweuovQHf4aOWWh3ihbb2Bh6DIrs2xnVOJte4S7TLQgkXlyP/s1600/conversation+builder.jpg" /></a></div>
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Conversation Builder has also won an award. </div>
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Winner – 2nd best Educational App of 2011 by Smart Apps For Kids</div>
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Below is the homepage</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEBa8OEQQW9c4PvJwj2YOstzalIWBKL-P5vBSJTGqsLPcgx0osU_flN469P8CHOBTN8CovlRf2ujl2AVInHUX_QDOBvAzEb5ryS1yuVdUQJl8csAwN6kXpPpZ_kaLh0Lu_FkFCYfHxdan/s1600/8.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEBa8OEQQW9c4PvJwj2YOstzalIWBKL-P5vBSJTGqsLPcgx0osU_flN469P8CHOBTN8CovlRf2ujl2AVInHUX_QDOBvAzEb5ryS1yuVdUQJl8csAwN6kXpPpZ_kaLh0Lu_FkFCYfHxdan/s320/8.PNG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Just like Language Builder it allows you to track progress by student's names. You can also decide what type of conversational exchange your are targeting, 1:1-4 exchange, 1:1-8 exchange and group conversation. You can also choose who the initiator of the conversation will be-student or peer. Then below that you have the option of a number of different picture modules. The pictures are clear and super engaging. </div>
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Below are some examples:</div>
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Student initiated conversation</div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/conversationbuilder/id413939366?mt=8" target="_blank"><img border="0" eea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXoxUxWFrx8-P1E_RwG32bhJUGBWy7akWAOv48x3GP2K76TMIq-OGuStc5BTgskixhbNih6QHSiLX-7hl_-arj0v9V7MNjDkQRrPyFcCAvm_-nAYLNhyphenhyphenV4lqIlX131Zd_GjpOvGpROcDO/s320/4.PNG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Peer initiated conversation</div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/conversationbuilder/id413939366?mt=8" target="_blank"><img border="0" eea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxpmIQ6QaaRlZP_OzAC94RucO84UWBlVt6e1ylDg5dLSDINC-fSg4gxmZ9bINXqzuaWJb0SwLxDRaDgXmwaofT40K3-sPDea_SvLgFOsgFWL3a52Hm9x7lUJ2C6Efeyx62-hM4fCjJ4ZO/s320/5.PNG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Group conversation</div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/conversationbuilder/id413939366?mt=8" target="_blank"><img border="0" eea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwIQebQ1_o9k5PRy6inlwHnzxTsPQjUsocr4_bJtsmHCXZXcC5_e1Mi-NAkV2FFgEN_74c0v89ErhWHyFzsVd7rGo2z2AvcROeIdMNCDWeargF4HvfejcyFaDyIhyphenhyphenNZPYYUwSY3xmSqti/s320/6.PNG" width="240" /></a></div>
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This app is great for your social skills group as well as your older students working on expanding MLU, syntax, lexicon etc. I used this app with my Social Language class and while the conversations turned into 4 year old conversations, it definitely started conversations that were then easy to target initiating, conversational turns, on-topic comments etc. </div>
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You can buy this app <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/conversationbuilder/id413939366?mt=8" target="_blank">here</a> for $19.99</div>
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*Disclaimer: Mobile Education provided me with a code to review these products. No other compensation was provided. The opinions expressed are that of Speech Lady Liz. </div>
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Elizabeth Gretzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339666089127068715noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8526209452332852779.post-40679749274165156462012-12-17T12:00:00.000-06:002012-12-17T12:00:03.478-06:00Superflex and Sidekicks<div style="text-align: center;">
On the 8th day of posting this Speech Lady gave to me, some friends for Superflex. </div>
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I've posted ideas from my friend Angela before (because she's pretty genius), and I couldn't help but want to post this as soon as I saw it. I mean Superflex has all these enemies, but he needs some sidekicks too, right?!?</div>
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Meet Perspective Pete-</div>
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<a href="http://acardenas.weebly.com/lessons.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvID17CPqHuCovPC1Rgd3MktgDfcQAXWtQ7yXCoaSqDBUvJiVSO3PKs6L3ZSncPEIacRYPtlNNDjfWkW48qeYtemSShU2DIn1CHF-TbbTA9atDTzKdsYaFaaP9v69OfLKIKsS59C8ErvjH/s320/perspective+pete.png" tea="true" width="244" /></a></div>
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& Positive Polly</div>
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<a href="http://acardenas.weebly.com/lessons.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWwSp8NIqz__I-TVLDtQqkntUc25qG0-xY5texKkrkgoE-V6nPd-amsFMuwyQSBxqSyFUN1G7DPoQa8dKfhhrQGYsjZuZcz6DWWxScF5M2viWKgcH5wkQhGcdigahe2tpAIzIeVJSVGtv/s320/positive+polly.png" tea="true" width="252" /></a></div>
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Check out <a href="http://acardenas.weebly.com/lessons.html" target="_blank">Angela's website</a> with tons of other ideas too!</div>
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p.s. Ang I get to see you in 7 weeks...let the countdown begin!</div>
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Elizabeth Gretzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339666089127068715noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8526209452332852779.post-8244955645153556902012-12-14T12:00:00.000-06:002012-12-14T12:00:03.001-06:00Custom Boards and Wh- Questions-Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On the 7th day of posting this Speech Lady gave to me, some apps that are freaking awesome!</div>
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Custom Boards</div>
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<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/custom-boards-premium/id463344117?mt=8" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="150" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXf4iPv8Qk7upLdvnJ3CiSK1rFHxvN4OmB7PyLKaFab2rUJth6qsijzVEenYP43fMWQ2_vHD1Iopkysyn9G-mUgDWRKkwWyJx51Tx8wErVuC1C9Wtr84FEz3NBdkT_LR_yE0dEY1rVqGib/s200/mzl_exkobgnu_480x480-75.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The nice people over at Smarty Ears sent me a code for Custom Boards to review. Custom Boards is a bang for your buck kind of app. There are a number of things you can do and make with this program. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruRCmaXBuwWGMA0zhL0E0SP3utmFanGItSYxTC-tRo8jvJ4ivmLaH_N9vLew4CDcECdaO2a7Rn2qAZkfxIbBSUlT2xrPiNKi-miV-ZhqSmpwNyhZ_61olRjKP1-fFXbfpxjgDPH9VNIDf/s1600/mzl_kobcitnu_480x480-75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruRCmaXBuwWGMA0zhL0E0SP3utmFanGItSYxTC-tRo8jvJ4ivmLaH_N9vLew4CDcECdaO2a7Rn2qAZkfxIbBSUlT2xrPiNKi-miV-ZhqSmpwNyhZ_61olRjKP1-fFXbfpxjgDPH9VNIDf/s200/mzl_kobcitnu_480x480-75.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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On the main page you can choose from a number of pre-made templates (over 100 templates). The templates include game and activity boards, boards that go along with AAC devices, an option to make signs and labels, schedules and calendars, worksheets and custom grids and boards. </div>
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Here are some examples of the game boards I've created. </div>
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Pick your game board theme, then decide what pictures you want in each circle. Custom Boards has a huge amount of pictures in their picture dictionary to choose from AND if you can't find the right image then there is a direct link to google to search for pictures. Once you have selected all your pictures you can email it to yourself as a PDF, print or save to your photo library. Here are some examples:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9pqGRYRaWtP3x0q1Zitt5CobgnVMpa7a54dGXKgHGD6aXGxDpgdGs8UKtjr4lNNiK2TK82tysUojYeia3eE2gOtgoqDJ-z2yz9hEkiClV_cXXY5X4Fvfn6oTaen1wYf22Km9qsoOJwrd/s1600/IMG_20121207_171448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9pqGRYRaWtP3x0q1Zitt5CobgnVMpa7a54dGXKgHGD6aXGxDpgdGs8UKtjr4lNNiK2TK82tysUojYeia3eE2gOtgoqDJ-z2yz9hEkiClV_cXXY5X4Fvfn6oTaen1wYf22Km9qsoOJwrd/s320/IMG_20121207_171448.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you are making pages for devices or switches, Custom Boards gives you the option to choose from 33 different AAC devices and switches. I've made several Go Talk pages from this app. </div>
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The signs and label option is great for making visuals for you classroom. It has an option to make something as simple as labels for boxes to traffic symbols and speech bubbles. </div>
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The Calendar option is great for your kids that need visual schedules. You can make custom schedules so easily it would be silly not to! Here is an example of a first/then schedule I made. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrh9oSLFLNwlAgcZCAJSCXfaLKnWpatebNkuastwmBbYz4WOWrqXAv-N78qw0Wa2LXdv5FzCr1Q1_HWgpRPY9AM9mtYSTd26f7WBsyMiI99Qh_R9zJNq7r5UyoVtSw7dT-m_tA40U0KyK/s1600/first+then.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrh9oSLFLNwlAgcZCAJSCXfaLKnWpatebNkuastwmBbYz4WOWrqXAv-N78qw0Wa2LXdv5FzCr1Q1_HWgpRPY9AM9mtYSTd26f7WBsyMiI99Qh_R9zJNq7r5UyoVtSw7dT-m_tA40U0KyK/s320/first+then.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Worksheets option has a lot of great visuals to use with any activity. There are worksheets for sequencing, making small books, before and after, sorting and other themed worksheets.</div>
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All in all I really love this app. It takes all the hard work out of making homework sheets, class activities, schedules etc. </div>
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You can buy Custom Boards <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/custom-boards-premium/id463344117?mt=8" target="_blank">here</a> for $39.99. I really think this one is worth the price!</div>
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The next app is also from Smarty Ears and it's called <a href="http://smartyearsapps.com/2012/01/09/whquestions-3-1-2/" target="_blank">Wh- Questions</a>. </div>
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<a href="http://smartyearsapps.com/2012/01/09/whquestions-3-1-2/" target="_blank"><img bea="true" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeFYTauZJiUnD2Qkokntpl3kzUzLzYBxGZyz-1bRIi-r3R_THuEVoETr-rNeMeuLkw1JJhCSvOCQMkb94hC_trQGsgmJ8f2BpQ5gSZAU6CcYmNXyiKQ1ThUlQifbFATwHQQe99jhyphenhyphen_gIv/s1600/wh+questions.jpg" /></a></div>
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This app allows you to have multiple students saved and you can hand pick based on that child's goals what type of questions are asked. Most if not all of the students I've worked with that have a language disorder or delay have some kind of wh-question goal. Wh-questions can be targeted in a number of ways, but this app has engaging pictures that help keep the attention of the child. </div>
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<a href="http://smartyearsapps.com/2012/01/09/whquestions-3-1-2/" target="_blank"><img bea="true" border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2Cw0brWOP9TFS_qe4ZhuRkAkoaGB6ucZnCmIO7Hbq36uLFhK4Gv-ezBGS-aO2unlLRiYU64Hczhi2n2xKDQ_ErA91Ewu43LS-DYCfyE7edy-F1wsXAaC223Lg_grBQdVz9OKUXZuJSbV/s400/whquestions-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My suggestions for future versions of this app would be the ability to pick and choose what questions are asked as well as the difficulty. It would be great if the questions had a multiple choice option where the children could use visuals to answer the question. Because my students are so little, the visual representation of answers is key in their ability to be successful. I do really like this app for progress monitoring. Every couple weeks go through and see the gains the child has made towards their goals. </div>
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All in all this app is interactive and engaging. </div>
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You can buy it <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/whquestions/id348905092?mt=8" target="_blank">here</a> for $9.99</div>
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Thanks Smarty Ears for your generosity to Speech Lady Liz. </div>
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*Disclaimer: Smarty Ears provided me with a code to review product. No other compensation was provided. The opinions expressed are that of Speech Lady Liz. </div>
Elizabeth Gretzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339666089127068715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8526209452332852779.post-23871062682187099602012-12-13T12:00:00.000-06:002012-12-13T12:00:03.977-06:00Speech Lady Wishlist-Games<div style="text-align: center;">
On the 6th day of posting this Speech Lady gave to me, some games to elicit language.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7w8-jvEr3iUHA2tamOegcslZzKJhf1VRKiAc0rSYdE79YY9FD0bbhhbQBS0cqYPR9sezKdM0yN_wLvpBrtu-4X0ffsVUFqv-ESV8LKYDuvJzHp4JwuAEBIQdEw_DQLn9DrSuS1HTHQrL/s1600/games.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7w8-jvEr3iUHA2tamOegcslZzKJhf1VRKiAc0rSYdE79YY9FD0bbhhbQBS0cqYPR9sezKdM0yN_wLvpBrtu-4X0ffsVUFqv-ESV8LKYDuvJzHp4JwuAEBIQdEw_DQLn9DrSuS1HTHQrL/s640/games.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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1. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Brybelly-Zingo-Bingo-Game-Zing/dp/B009VMLPUM/ref=sr_1_4?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1355194350&sr=1-4&keywords=zingo+bingo" target="_blank">Zingo Bingo</a>-I recently came across this game and love it. Zingo has this cool little contraption that's like an old school credit card swiper. You move it back and forth and each time two cards with nouns on it appear. I have used it multiple times with my kids that have Apraxia. We keep the phrase "I have ....." and then they list one of two of the cards they get. All I know is if you can keep a 3 year old entertained with this for 45 minutes, then it's a winner for sure!</div>
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2.<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hasbro-5294-Elefun/dp/B001R6ATXO/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1355194422&sr=1-1&keywords=elefun" target="_blank"> Elefun</a>- This game just makes me happy. I have my kids collect as many butterflies as they can and then they bring it back to me. However many butterflies they get is how many times they have to practice a word. It's just so fun to see how excited the kids are as the butterflies start flying in the air. </div>
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3. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mattel-P8115-Whac-A-Mole-Arcade-Game/dp/B0028K2WBA/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1355194455&sr=1-1&keywords=whack+a+mole" target="_blank">Whac-A-Mole</a>- I use Whac-A-Mole for a number of things. I use it for more obvious things like a reinforcer and then I have used it for working on multi-syllabic words, phrases, sentences etc. <a href="http://speechroomnews.blogspot.com/2012/12/whack-sound-kgf-s-freebie-included.html" target="_blank">Here</a> is a fun addition from Speech Room News and how she uses Whac-A-Mole.</div>
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4. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Winning-Moves-1049-Crocodile-Dentist/dp/B00005N5FA/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1355194566&sr=1-1&keywords=crocodile+dentist" target="_blank">Crocodile Dentist</a>-When I want to use Kaufman cards and know there is no way my 2 or 3 year old is going to tolerate drill practice, I pull the Crocodile out. We feed the Crocodile all the cards and they say them as we feed him. This is definitely a reinforcer to have in your arsenal. </div>
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5. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fundex-2460-Whats-Neds-Head/dp/B000096RFF/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1355194599&sr=1-1&keywords=Ned%27s+head" target="_blank">What's In Ned's Head?</a>-I see mostly little boys, so anything gross is super enticing to them. I like this because you not only can work on body parts, but you can pretty much stick anything in Ned's head and use it to work on target sounds, vocabulary, inferencing etc. </div>
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6. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Spin-Master-Games-6014346-HedBanz/dp/B003AIM52A/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1355194636&sr=1-1&keywords=Hedbanz" target="_blank">HedBanz</a>-This game is great for working on basic concepts, answering wh questions, asking questions, turn taking and the list goes on and on. My friend <a href="http://acardenas.weebly.com/index.html" target="_blank">Angela </a>even made it into a Superflex game. <br />
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<a href="http://acardenas.weebly.com/index.html" target="_blank"><img bea="true" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnONSWfiPbVhNh4er2md_NQyS3abBBxrfQlTllUSSxWFaSOHYzoarVkq2Fx3FB6wXYKmKQAeEuPAQZV9GjA7Sjyhs_kXWhR86_dxOeTT8OSMaMdWyD2ZQtR4P2M8fU9xBs-LEDj2wtaPZ/s200/superflex.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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Elizabeth Gretzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339666089127068715noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8526209452332852779.post-4964099324463206052012-12-12T20:02:00.000-06:002012-12-12T20:05:05.278-06:00Appy Hour -Speech4Good<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On the 5th day of posting this Speech Lady gave to me, an appy hour for disfluency!</div>
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<a href="http://speech4good.com/" target="_blank"><img bea="true" border="0" height="61" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdYF-h_BNt7tG9_tc6n3KlKFK-13QDlsIImmUEPhvdyg91VujERP1UZ0bwaZISomp_B2YUU6lS_V4uyZV45IFxaP3AJPRWHu4acjQlNsEoJBp391OJAdOlm_KL6FL2VQxLEGk1dUotkyx/s320/Speech4Good.png" width="320" /></a></div>
The generous people over at Balbus Speech provided me with a code to try out their app <a href="http://speech4good./">Speech4Good.</a> When I first saw this app nightmares of Speech Science classes came flooding back. Speech Science was the one class that never clicked with me. So needless to say I was thinking how the heck am I going to use this app. I was surprised at the number of possibilities I came across as I used and played around with this app. <br />
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<a href="http://speech4good.com/" target="_blank">Speech4Good</a> can be used for a number of different purposes. <br />
-Disfluency<br />
-Inarticulation<br />
-Easy Onset<br />
-Vocal quality including pitch and intensity<br />
-Prosody<br />
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The home screen looks like this:</div>
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<a href="http://speech4good.com/" target="_blank"><img bea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMXVbo5ulQzGHU1vjKyIg8KJ2dxm8vbLD7TkORXsxGFjD-88zG4Xk5bl9jdLihMgt-cPNVjo4C0JX7JTVWMK_YM_sKhyimFwX9PplT_KlVNfHKOoC6tqQ8YV5dAL_QJ8JB1gQXFdu68y3/s320/mzl_qeoqemem_1024x1024-65.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
The SpeechCenter takes you to the oscilloscope (a.k.a. speech graph) where you can record sessions, keep data and use Delayed Auditory Feedback (DAF). DAF is a speech therapy technique used mostly with individuals who stutter, have Parkinson's or other voice disorders. The DAF in <a href="http://speech4good.com/" target="_blank">Speech4Good</a> takes voice input and outputs it at an adjustable time, generally milliseconds of time, so that you can naturally slow down your rate of speech to increase awareness of changes in your speech. Below is a screen shot of the SpeechCenter. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQJcTe8MMUJNYf7NM50vPlhku8tqV7PAJupUhd47Q3EoerHxwvWcAIrWBKu_ZRb6AKGjQEWfL7dooTJPLAKjyn4WVTxtu1YP92pa5axc8ZHYbu52AEOHIm7pkhW5RxR6TIs38GSkzAxQv/s1600/Delayed-Auditory-Feedback.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQJcTe8MMUJNYf7NM50vPlhku8tqV7PAJupUhd47Q3EoerHxwvWcAIrWBKu_ZRb6AKGjQEWfL7dooTJPLAKjyn4WVTxtu1YP92pa5axc8ZHYbu52AEOHIm7pkhW5RxR6TIs38GSkzAxQv/s320/Delayed-Auditory-Feedback.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Below are some different speech graph views. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9a7UIyhqJ5ofq-zztu_sXutz5ZGGbujo1XTW4tHFH3KN9JxjZV4FiT-lIV9jyRI8hZPrtNxj6zTUOUISH1DJdiO7ZX7jWVXEm0IlCWfGvGy0w05ymN_oyc6aUT0YECYf57G-4FwDrJD38/s1600/Oscilloscope.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9a7UIyhqJ5ofq-zztu_sXutz5ZGGbujo1XTW4tHFH3KN9JxjZV4FiT-lIV9jyRI8hZPrtNxj6zTUOUISH1DJdiO7ZX7jWVXEm0IlCWfGvGy0w05ymN_oyc6aUT0YECYf57G-4FwDrJD38/s320/Oscilloscope.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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One of the children that I used this has difficulty with prosody. He has a very monotone voice, so we work on inflections in general conversation as well as when asking questions. This was a great tool to use to compare speech graph views. I said a sentence and then he would try to match the sentence. In the end we wanted our speech graph to look similar. This was also helpful in increasing the intensity of his voice. Those soft-spoken students have to match their speech graph to yours (my loud and obnoxious SLP voice). I don't currently have any students who demonstrate disfluencies, but I played around a lot with this app and will be extremely excited to use it when I get a child working on fluency. The visual representation is an integral part of therapy for any child or adult. </div>
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The rest of the homescreen offers a library where you store past speech graphs and recordings. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMXVbo5ulQzGHU1vjKyIg8KJ2dxm8vbLD7TkORXsxGFjD-88zG4Xk5bl9jdLihMgt-cPNVjo4C0JX7JTVWMK_YM_sKhyimFwX9PplT_KlVNfHKOoC6tqQ8YV5dAL_QJ8JB1gQXFdu68y3/s1600/mzl_qeoqemem_1024x1024-65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMXVbo5ulQzGHU1vjKyIg8KJ2dxm8vbLD7TkORXsxGFjD-88zG4Xk5bl9jdLihMgt-cPNVjo4C0JX7JTVWMK_YM_sKhyimFwX9PplT_KlVNfHKOoC6tqQ8YV5dAL_QJ8JB1gQXFdu68y3/s320/mzl_qeoqemem_1024x1024-65.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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It also has an option for sharing. You can share your speech graphs through email, Facebook, Twitter. I'm not so sure I would use the Facebook or Twitter option, but email for sure. Telepractice is becoming such a growing part of our field. Imagine your patients could send you speech graphs so you can monitor and track their progress. </div>
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The Lite app is offered for $4.99. The difference in the Lite app is that you cannot record. The regular app is $19.99 and you can buy it <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/speech4good/id467558411?ls=1&mt=8" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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Have any of you used this app? If so what are your favorite features?</div>
Elizabeth Gretzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339666089127068715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8526209452332852779.post-26772378343664490012012-12-11T12:00:00.000-06:002012-12-11T12:00:00.442-06:00Teaching Social Skills With Cars<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">
On the 4th day of posting this Speech Lady gave to me, some ideas to teach preschoolers. <br />
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About 90% of my caseload are boys. That means I've gotten really good at crashing cars, making horrible wrecking noises and knocking things down. I like to directly teach my kids how to play with toys and then help them generalize that in real-time play with peers. Last week we focused on cars. I made this poster with some target vocabulary for the kids to use. <br />
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B9161MxLVykJZE5XdDJkZXRBeXc" target="_blank"><img bea="true" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkzzoZsxidwZgQeYRBQgWUVQ63iTWVBWLR-QiIUX3QOW3IVtzeNUOeoP7yDH2fp20Uyb3t8IhDrAECYF7wim8UCMrpWYt8o7PHgM3QYW2x0NC8yG6nMU7K_UPwUBBWvNNYvDKBGnNrgWH/s400/Cars.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Some additional activities were a car wash. I like this because along with teaching pragmatics, it is so important to teach play skills. A lot of my kids use 1-2 step play sequences and it's important to expand that as you get so much more language with just one extra step of play. </div>
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With a car wash you have a novel 3 step sequence. We just used two bins and a towel, but how cute would it be to make these with your kids?!?<br />
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<a href="http://kiddley.com/2006/09/13/make-a-toy-service-station-and-car-wash/" target="_blank"><img bea="true" border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQR1mwLuLanXn3NgqErkl4SiNZigjU9yjvgY1MzWXrnEvrrFoqPgyeq_ij_jbALM3DGMMfzy8sWHfmD1s1d259Zs2IrsNlPr-A9XD7YKkZZTT-jiMQLM-RZ_MFNdkatOyw_r1cxbAwGhlZ/s320/littlebirds_biodiesel_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We also went on a scavenger hunt for tools around the school so that we could fix a wounded car. I couldn't have dreamed in my wildest dreams how many peer to peer interactions I got with this activity. It was very exciting. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrfWVbFB_IT0pgNB8sVMcjxNCC7F-5Tf6QRZtYnzRzuf1UaAPkQr5sB9YpNi9q4Ff2atWCqa2_h6froL3SQ7Ek9fNtjO1TAadX6rST18p8w54K-BmBeQJHfcpeotiYi1rPk7mEzTUiHsB/s1600/tools.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrfWVbFB_IT0pgNB8sVMcjxNCC7F-5Tf6QRZtYnzRzuf1UaAPkQr5sB9YpNi9q4Ff2atWCqa2_h6froL3SQ7Ek9fNtjO1TAadX6rST18p8w54K-BmBeQJHfcpeotiYi1rPk7mEzTUiHsB/s200/tools.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFv-XMNWHRfgBvN5HaSZJ3-5YulXfBDVggjLJt0_R448_ZvsO6HlPXrF048QHHgbRTgefC5SdwpxiMsIl9px7PyzocFzedkQSkRoItu55N3fwIKCrDd7akI3F1iA9k1M9FFyJPn8bxgr-/s1600/toy+car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFv-XMNWHRfgBvN5HaSZJ3-5YulXfBDVggjLJt0_R448_ZvsO6HlPXrF048QHHgbRTgefC5SdwpxiMsIl9px7PyzocFzedkQSkRoItu55N3fwIKCrDd7akI3F1iA9k1M9FFyJPn8bxgr-/s200/toy+car.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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Cars are also a great opportunity to work on basic concepts like size, quantities and color. I usually like to categorize them by colors, type (car/truck), size etc. <br />
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Love this book to go along with our play!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Thats-Not-Usborne-Touchy-Feely/dp/0794506364/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355237107&sr=8-1&keywords=that%27s+not+my+car" target="_blank"><img bea="true" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-Uh3rdENZe_IDARKful32xTY-m1XR439NEqHMUUrxoRcAkCRmpp6VU0dKsTsFGSzaf8cya9rY8w1h2WbHjmhZCohet6lPmUt46SD306VHgcVPtT1ccSdFvRnbSbonK9XWTQeHgpTX_Xx/s1600/That's+not+my+car.jpg" /></a></div>
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Play is such a critical part to teaching language and pragmatic skills with little guys. I know I always forgot about just playing when I worked in the schools. The school I'm at now is a school founded on the importance of play.</div>
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All I know is I've gotten really good at playing and I make some pretty legit environmental sounds these days :)</div>
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Elizabeth Gretzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339666089127068715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8526209452332852779.post-81506955731739546482012-12-10T12:00:00.000-06:002012-12-10T12:00:02.760-06:00Screeners and Tests, Oh My!-Appy Hour Review<div style="text-align: center;">
On the third day of posting this Speech Lady gave to me, some screeners and evaluations. </div>
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<a href="http://smartyearsapps.com/2012/08/17/common-core-early-language-screener/" target="_blank">Smarty Ears-Common Core Early Language Screener</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1V9NTahGEQ8pvj4318hZSIgMPKvw_4JzPjNygnwO6ZdPidY8S_Son7jOXwMaAYEJEUVj7ge_9xPl_yxwiVuPFaNRc_LZeA7i-2LFJTBpT780uMC4gNAsXXuj_D7g-XSAQJdHTDvaMxtIJ/s1600/CCELS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1V9NTahGEQ8pvj4318hZSIgMPKvw_4JzPjNygnwO6ZdPidY8S_Son7jOXwMaAYEJEUVj7ge_9xPl_yxwiVuPFaNRc_LZeA7i-2LFJTBpT780uMC4gNAsXXuj_D7g-XSAQJdHTDvaMxtIJ/s1600/CCELS.jpg" tea="true" /></a></div>
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The Common Core Early Language Screener is a screening tool used to identify weaknesses in early language skills. The screener is made for children Pre-kindergarten-Kindergarten age. This screener has some great features including:</div>
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"1. Ability to watch a video tutorial of how to effectively use the app;<br />
2. School and evaluator information only has to be entered one time, then it is automatically added to each new screening and report;<br />
3. Ability to enter a student’s name and track progress over time;<br />
4. Ability to review past screenings;<br />
5. Generate a report analyzing performance in each subtest;<br />
6. Ability to print evaluator form and/or child form."</div>
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I have used this app to monitor progress with several of my kids. I initially gave the screening, and then 9 weeks later gave it again to track progress. The analyzing of data that this app provides is extremely helpful in determining what comes next for short term goals and what goals have been mastered. Below are the language targets in the screening. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmIQ5JXGnYXaLEemS7SjumxufE-MMLs6Ye3gdxRxgbsF_EpIbase8_C6oEwTa_8AvFRw4JziVoUaQFQFM_stOKVkM5LmRMjtuj0URy_EnS080Jj2DTR8CgxxgcGbJicpVtpZ-pEbFVDcK/s1600/CCEL+items.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmIQ5JXGnYXaLEemS7SjumxufE-MMLs6Ye3gdxRxgbsF_EpIbase8_C6oEwTa_8AvFRw4JziVoUaQFQFM_stOKVkM5LmRMjtuj0URy_EnS080Jj2DTR8CgxxgcGbJicpVtpZ-pEbFVDcK/s400/CCEL+items.png" tea="true" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here are some screen shots of test items. I love all the colorful images as this helps with keeping kids attention!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0516hL0GFS1S-fwgyOF5kIh-H7vgQQIWtgYZsvZfK6XUi_Wv9Nr34IcyG3jCpEZ-bQJ6M0XmGdQTiVs_46zNyefCQrtZanuiaLSnywKgtMglsm6tOgG-nD47SmBvAvzroyVdkkdNNSmuE/s1600/CCEL+images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0516hL0GFS1S-fwgyOF5kIh-H7vgQQIWtgYZsvZfK6XUi_Wv9Nr34IcyG3jCpEZ-bQJ6M0XmGdQTiVs_46zNyefCQrtZanuiaLSnywKgtMglsm6tOgG-nD47SmBvAvzroyVdkkdNNSmuE/s640/CCEL+images.jpg" tea="true" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://smartyearsapps.com/2010/10/25/sunny-articulation-test/" target="_blank">Sunny Articulation and Phonology Test</a></div>
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<a href="http://smartyearsapps.com/2010/10/25/sunny-articulation-test/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8Hpcm8bXURwyrs6weE421wRKnBke0chzVYMIgncLtTlMxLDWjGGUY_u094DQGpeyOte7kiPh63IbkDBTbSdaNfckoj8iL-sNgm0s_Pt6fMJOeODVoHm_i2rE00NOnjLn6AFmUz5C2AJV/s1600/sunny.jpg" tea="true" /></a></div>
This assessment is a series of pictures targeting English phonemes in initial, medial and final position. This test is not a standardized measure, but it is made to be used in conjunction with standardized assessments (I would use it along side the Goldman Fristoe Test of Articulation-2). <br />
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<a href="http://smartyearsapps.com/2010/10/25/sunny-articulation-test/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="224" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21z2I1aA2xNksslEAf94iUqukLWHdrvRrtbtz2eIS5zyr89i_jtlJTw9R-Kaag8gRWr4-MorbBIIBdvTG7B-z5qrDUWX1yJ6y8_GTn3J7NiCWjUmehK8JuEMyrUcNm7o3hMSjcoWiOb_M/s640/sunny-website.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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It starts with adding students. You enter their name, birthday (which they automatically calculate the chronological age) and whether English is the only spoken language. Then you can start the assessment. Each picture is a clear, colorful and engaging picture. The word is at the top and the targeted sounds are green. When there is an error you click on the sound and you are given options of whether they deleted, distorted, assimilated, substituted etc. as well as the most common phonological processes associated with that sound. I love that you can also record your session while giving the assessment (the only suggestion I would make is that you can have more than one recording). Once the assessment is complete it gives you a detailed description of all the errors including phonological patterns etc. It gives you a raw score which you can then compare to your standardized assessment to decide if they are commensurate with each other. What I like about this is the ability to progress monitor without pulling out files and going through millions of papers (or is that just my files?!) I really like the fact that it's on the iPad because let's face it kids are waaay more likely to entertain the idea of sitting through 20+ pictures if it's on the iPad and there are pretty pictures. </div>
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All in all I'm very excited to have these two items in my arsenal! </div>
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Elizabeth Gretzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339666089127068715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8526209452332852779.post-32618554390825156102012-12-07T12:00:00.000-06:002012-12-07T12:00:05.883-06:00Countdown to the Holidays-Speech Buddies Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On the 2nd day of posting this Speech Lady gave to me, some tools that help speech sounds. </div>
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<a href="https://www.speechbuddy.com/slps" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8xaXMvRVpy7i3kZnTZUDMUlLvZWp6CDZnW57qQvQUbOo7HVi8vPO-ihed86Ogh4mDhFKaao-8oo3K87Mk7NDFy7e646-ooKa_uUdCAA0Gyo4pOqqtrgprM62DrihWAQclKayybiAm1_H/s1600/sp+buddies.jpg" tea="true" /></a></div>
The generous people over at Articulate Technologies sent me Speech Buddies to trial with my kids. I had been hearing about these tools for quite sometime and had only heard positive reviews about them. So naturally I was super excited when I was given the opportunity to try them. <br />
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Speech Buddies is a set of tools designed to target the five most difficult speech sounds R, S, SH, CH, L. The tools are designed to teach proper tongue placement through the method of tactile bio-feedback.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieP6qTJh0JdORbyjsjjq0L9BW9hHH93rwENXs5koBnFnTOt7iK4dGWgaysFk1Bldo_Y8THY6nCguENo9e_coh06B2IiLPNVPAIRQUkP31a_AnyCRqTG0s6yjLrdx7HwK7zXZeTuj6R7ap5/s1600/sp+buddies+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="109" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieP6qTJh0JdORbyjsjjq0L9BW9hHH93rwENXs5koBnFnTOt7iK4dGWgaysFk1Bldo_Y8THY6nCguENo9e_coh06B2IiLPNVPAIRQUkP31a_AnyCRqTG0s6yjLrdx7HwK7zXZeTuj6R7ap5/s320/sp+buddies+2.jpg" tea="true" width="320" /></a></div>
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I tried all of them on myself first so that I would know how to use them properly with my students. Each specific sound tool has detailed instructions on proper placement and method in which to achieve each sound. Below is a table provided in the pamphlet, but each tool has more detailed written descriptions on how to use them. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLhTvGDCmPzdghOZyS6vekgbsRhWvkAZjpGpIBvWx9Wt7Mni8RYoR98DN4seKykTxB0SlkLJMcl80-LQA3Zwi16h1v70PjWEtaw22r9m2YoCllmmzm6ZT2ZnXnLc_VRZ2TgOhrsvlwXxR/s1600/speech+buddies+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLhTvGDCmPzdghOZyS6vekgbsRhWvkAZjpGpIBvWx9Wt7Mni8RYoR98DN4seKykTxB0SlkLJMcl80-LQA3Zwi16h1v70PjWEtaw22r9m2YoCllmmzm6ZT2ZnXnLc_VRZ2TgOhrsvlwXxR/s1600/speech+buddies+3.jpg" tea="true" /></a></div>
I was really excited to use the /l/ speech tool with one of my kids that was really struggling to achieve proper placement. I was nervous the child wasn't going to let me use the tool, but he thought it was pretty cool. We used the tool the entire 45 minute session and by the end of it, he didn't need the tool to get /l/ in the initial position of words. After seeing what these tools could do I was excited to try out the others. Next up was the /s/ tool. I was working with a child that has an interdental lisp. I was worried he would just push the tool right out of his mouth as his tongue moved forward. The first couple times that is exactly what happend, but then after some verbal prompting and pulling out the mirror he got the sound spot on. It started in isolation and then by the end of the session we were able to get an /s/ in CV words. After perusing the Speech Buddies website I saw a testimonial that suggested using the "ch" tool to elicit /k/ and /g/. I was excited to try this as any velar sound is difficult to show and/or describe to children. This one was a bit more tricky as my student wanted to push it out with his tongue the whole time, but at the end we got that /k/!<br />
Fortunately for me and unfortunately for my review, I do not have any children working on the /r/. I work with pre-school aged children so /r/ goals are few and far between. That being said I used the /r/ tool on myself as if I turned my /r/ to a /w/ and was able to understand and appreciate all this tool can do for that pesky sound. <br />
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I was pleasantly surprised at how effective these tools really are. That tactile reinforcement that you get from using these is so beneficial, especially for my preschoolers. My preschoolers tend to have difficulty and lack the attention that is required to listen to me describe and watch how to appropriately achieve placement for these sounds. They are enthralled with these tools. I don't blame them, because finally they have success with a sound they're working on!<br />
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Another great resource from Articulate Technologies is the <a href="http://www.speechbuddy.com/blog/" target="_blank">Speech Buddy Blog</a>. They've got some great articles and information for SLPs and parents. <br />
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If you are still skeptical about these tools, <a href="http://www.speechbuddy.com/slps/science" target="_blank">here is the research</a> that Articulate Technologies provides on their website. <br />
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I'm really excited to continue using these tools and they have become quite a hit in our speech office. I have a lot of materials that I've collected over my short time as an SLP and these are by far the items I get asked the most for. Do any of you use Speech Buddies? Which one have you had the most success using?<br />
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Thanks Articulate Technologies!</div>
Elizabeth Gretzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339666089127068715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8526209452332852779.post-60153447574153763222012-12-06T12:00:00.000-06:002012-12-06T12:00:08.127-06:00Speech Lady Wishlist-Books<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On the 1<sup>st</sup> day of posting this Speech Lady gave to me, a list of really cool books.</span></div>
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It's no secret here, I LOVE children's books. I love the illustrations, rhymes and cute messages hidden inside the stories. Below are 7 books that I think you all should have on your wishlist. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYbEK17j_QksTEABRj8esnGA3_RYanoEa4uDcx3oLkwIDOXySqJfy12D-OfJA12IJkbZ6lMrtibjQnSbQLPXocDXt8CbCRtyow6rZWOSOUzCrYb6STHqstcWllp3DFZY3CHZuclOLSLUv/s1600/books+jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYbEK17j_QksTEABRj8esnGA3_RYanoEa4uDcx3oLkwIDOXySqJfy12D-OfJA12IJkbZ6lMrtibjQnSbQLPXocDXt8CbCRtyow6rZWOSOUzCrYb6STHqstcWllp3DFZY3CHZuclOLSLUv/s640/books+jpeg.jpg" tea="true" width="640" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0670012335/ref=s9_hps_bw_g14_ir01?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-3&pf_rd_r=F95E7126C1A94ACE86CB&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1416127522&pf_rd_i=6129451011" target="_blank">1</a>-<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0670012335/ref=s9_hps_bw_g14_ir01?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-3&pf_rd_r=F95E7126C1A94ACE86CB&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1416127522&pf_rd_i=6129451011" target="_blank">Llama Llama Time to Share</a>-I love all her books, but especially this one for my little guys because sharing is just SO hard. This is a great book for my social language class as well as when I want to directly teach a play skill like sharing. Anna Dewdney can do no wrong in my eyes. </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Look-Peter-Linenthal/dp/0525420282/ref=sr_1_61?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354584329&sr=1-61" target="_blank">2</a>-<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Look-Peter-Linenthal/dp/0525420282/ref=sr_1_61?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354584329&sr=1-61" target="_blank">Look, Look</a>- This is a great book if you are working on expanding utterances that include different verbs, nouns etc. It's supposedly the "it" book for infants while they do tummy time, but within the pictures they have phrases like "children run", "fish swim", "stars shine" etc. There are a bunch of other books by this author that I would love to get. </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Goodnight-Construction-Sherri-Duskey-Rinker/dp/0811877825/ref=lp_2578998011_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354584116&sr=1-1" target="_blank">3</a>-<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Goodnight-Construction-Sherri-Duskey-Rinker/dp/0811877825/ref=lp_2578998011_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354584116&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site</a>-I had a parent buy this book for me at our Scholastic book fair and was so excited to read it with my 2-3 year olds. They loved all the illustrations in the book and were able to participate at the end of each page as the author says "goodnight" to all the different construction vehicles. We currently have quite the construction site outside of our classroom, so we've learned all the different machinery and the interest in construction is very high!</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dear-Zoo-Lift---Flap-Book/dp/141694737X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354585369&sr=8-1&keywords=Dear+Zoo" target="_blank">4</a>-<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dear-Zoo-Lift---Flap-Book/dp/141694737X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354585369&sr=8-1&keywords=Dear+Zoo" target="_blank">Dear Zoo</a>-I first saw this book when my niece got it for her birthday. It is so cute and works on some great attribute words that refer to animals. One of my new favorite books that I will get my friends and all their upcoming babes. </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Thankful-Book-Todd-Parr/dp/0316181013/ref=sr_1_24?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354584204&sr=1-24" target="_blank">5</a>- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Thankful-Book-Todd-Parr/dp/0316181013/ref=sr_1_24?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354584204&sr=1-24" target="_blank">The Thankful Book</a>- I have recently become a big fan of this author. The illustrations are so bright and engaging. Most of all the books are super silly and cute!</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pete-Cat-Love-White-Shoes/dp/0061906220/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354584426&sr=1-1&keywords=pete+the+cat+i+love+my+white+shoes" target="_blank">6</a>-<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pete-Cat-Love-White-Shoes/dp/0061906220/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354584426&sr=1-1&keywords=pete+the+cat+i+love+my+white+shoes" target="_blank">Pete the Cat-I Love My White Shoes</a>- I know that Pete the Cat has been around for awhile, but I'm new to it and I love him. I love that the books are repetitive so it's great for kids with speech sound disorders. Excited to check out some of the other books too!</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Hat-Green-Boynton-Board/dp/0671493205/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354584398&sr=1-1&keywords=blue+hat+green+hat" target="_blank">7</a>-<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Hat-Green-Boynton-Board/dp/0671493205/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354584398&sr=1-1&keywords=blue+hat+green+hat" target="_blank">Blue Hat, Green Hat</a>- This book had my 2-3 year olds rolling with laughter. This book is not only great when working on colors, but clothing, body parts and negatives. It happened to have a turkey in so I used it for Thanksgiving too. LOVE this super silly book and it's amazing how much language you can get from kids with this book. </div>
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What books should I have on my wishlist?</div>
Elizabeth Gretzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339666089127068715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8526209452332852779.post-66865450067262152952012-12-03T09:00:00.000-06:002012-12-03T09:00:07.343-06:00December-Homework<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.speechladyliz.blogspot.com/2011/12/december-take-home-program.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKx7IwK9xi2KG4ctSuTSki7QpBq6hwyAIzZRwi7zAiffAou86r_d5FhVUMtJhUV6439y5xjvYqwNh_sR5-RdyeUxSaeJhdokOzmeHgBGShDXX-8aRvBGytxzxaHKxoFByvizQ5EDlHZN0/s1600/december.jpg" tea="true" /></a></div>
Don't forget to send out your December homework sheets. <a href="http://www.speechladyliz.blogspot.com/2011/12/december-take-home-program.html" target="_blank">Here</a> are free downloads for language and articulation.
Elizabeth Gretzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339666089127068715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8526209452332852779.post-8523286118127669802012-10-31T16:06:00.000-05:002012-10-31T16:06:02.623-05:00Happy Halloween<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhISBPfX6j6e6jIAf8l0jXnf1GvM1yPscxTKmnVj26LDRwZoqqxvt_qJ710Yuj1PhSvGscgLKQQDirXXWZs6CnMV6xsiHXJd81RcjBtfB9wA6Z4bXy324GIoa9XjrMj1M93ihZZ1MXl9IQw/s1600/halloween.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhISBPfX6j6e6jIAf8l0jXnf1GvM1yPscxTKmnVj26LDRwZoqqxvt_qJ710Yuj1PhSvGscgLKQQDirXXWZs6CnMV6xsiHXJd81RcjBtfB9wA6Z4bXy324GIoa9XjrMj1M93ihZZ1MXl9IQw/s1600/halloween.jpg" /></a></div>
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I hope everyone has a happy and safe Halloween. Make sure to follow me on Instagram, I will be posting pictures of our spooky Halloweenie Roast and other fun activities I used today in therapy. </div>
Elizabeth Gretzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339666089127068715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8526209452332852779.post-37638810202680260862012-10-18T14:00:00.000-05:002012-10-18T14:00:00.558-05:00End of the Week SLP Blues-Halloween Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Seeing as I'm working in a pre-school, I'm doing way more hands-on sensory activities. Card games rarely work for me, unless there is a gross motor component to it. That's why I liked this one below. Have the kids all around the room and then they have to walk around and ask friends if they have the picture they're looking for. </div>
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<a href="http://carriesspeechcorner.blogspot.com/2012/09/halloween-two-fer.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="226" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPTHfi31ubfw81q0UoguNTRsfw78vz_-3YEFzR5WkdAutqhDDGdndut0gJEIxtNdS5dzpr5dpHJghwpbI-uM2sh78O80HumeEygsEKEYzJj9oiSSbjZilCh5Wt7aoQe3ctl9fbT9DzmRJ/s320/i+have+who+has.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://carriesspeechcorner.blogspot.com/2012/09/halloween-two-fer.html" target="_blank">"I have. Who has?"</a> game from Carrie over at Carrie's Speech Corner.</div>
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<a href="http://lessonsforlittles.blogspot.com/2011/10/tissue-paper-candy-corn.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcUDEnNsvag8IStQguPLrhfqmBEL_O9iDWwtpJI0EtxwEtLbuJMevTeq4H2nKUB3sGrATEGOihNWAzNnHIzqldODTP-_Gx4uc_3esoK5-LcM7ds-kpYHdLLj120ClcZMnixArS7Q4OgZo/s200/002.JPG" width="172" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://lessonsforlittles.blogspot.com/2011_10_01_archive.html" target="_blank">Lessons for Little One's Blog</a> has all kinds of Halloween activities. I would use this <a href="http://lessonsforlittles.blogspot.com/2011/10/tissue-paper-candy-corn.html" target="_blank">tissue paper candy corn</a> activity with my kids working on articulation and think about your kids with Apraxia...Holy drill practice! Give them a piece of tissue paper for each time they say a word/word in a sentence etc. </div>
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Here's another fun (and edible) activity to get lots of practice.</div>
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<a href="http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2011/10/marshmallow-skull-craft.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8mqUeWtggdkBv1Go3lx9aBdECicIbIYBLI_EN9cagjJU7yNp0MBlFEn7Q8JKlgrmGnLI7hwipeXeCwmwHAfZ-DQUwmhkSlZDHxenwZ7U31D4znSHZNrN6BzY3G074gfaZFeqy1zmnllVc/s200/skull.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2011/10/marshmallow-skull-craft.html" target="_blank">link</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2011/10/spider-web-gross-motor-activity.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjyyyJr1nePaCSXaVdv5boEmyKooNn2tyeQWO5cK3HyIu737ajg4oA0azCXlF0cgCvBrHo_ZJNkAF4bYyF7xcNo7roRVGcybLU6rwyRTdwR0JDG-OUV_r7Vchbnw4RFWEOxYf1S7sCSBX/s200/spider-web-walking-.jpg" width="146" /></a></div>
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Over at <a href="http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2011/10/spider-web-gross-motor-activity.html" target="_blank">No Time For Flashcards</a>, she's also making spider webs out of tape. I would put targeted sound cards or different verb cards all over the spider web. Then they have to stay on the lines to pick up the card, say the word or put the verb in a sentence. </div>
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<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/269871/halloween-games-pop-goes-the-pumpkin" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDEDk7x-ot3aFEqOPG-D1NSXuTg1HVVC14q4llhl1v-vJhNL2MVNZ9mtsJgwohhKDYzKhuhexA_31AzJe0t_ILMOnlcOsYjtwocTBAgQjWVzrvi7wvSWQCQ-nEMM2u6wef7A6ldEKK8Yh/s200/270919733803484565_ZsB8Cz0r_b.jpg" width="159" /></a></div>
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I'm thinking 10 target sounds/words and they get to pop a balloon. I would LOVE to do<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/269871/halloween-games-pop-goes-the-pumpkin" target="_blank"> this</a> in a classroom! </div>
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<a href="http://handsonaswegrow.com/2011/10/toddler-sensory-activity-slimy-eyes/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVp932iIn15q88_SksVdyQIg5ba7EkyRFu9xhITrWoLAHELnQK_yi36kHsoVymF83PoUoSX3kTcWoOmlGa7qfxU1FmgivS1fm-XsSg9pey_a8sUd8v54PrSDxTgVmDTyXrRfiuJi41cem/s200/161144492886410049_jw9i53mG_c.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I'm for sure doing <a href="http://handsonaswegrow.com/2011/10/toddler-sensory-activity-slimy-eyes/" target="_blank">this</a>! A sensory bag with eyeballs in it. I'm also thinking it would be fun to add little spiders and worms. Think about all the wonderful spontaneous language you'll get. My kids are going to flip over this! </div>
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I love Halloween and am excited that my school has a "Halloweenie Roast" every year. The whole school is turned into a fun haunted house and the kids go around to their classrooms and trick or treat. </div>
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Has anyone else been eating way too much candy to prepare for the holiday or am I the only one? Anyone, anyone?!?</div>
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Elizabeth Gretzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339666089127068715noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8526209452332852779.post-34567901536437258952012-10-17T17:00:00.000-05:002012-10-17T20:07:48.979-05:00Appy Hour-ARTEL Larson<strong><u>Phrase Stress</u></strong><br />
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<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/phrasestress/id492585018?mt=8" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="149" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHtQ4ACrfoilL07YqJqmKDmlSSFPTPnm0dIRotFhVVcqrzp2vyp_HWDF5sGCq3DQSJ06WEE7eIsqG-sShCDurpgDKnZ_VKutsOTjjadZr94vTiXbB3IgWEe6mSutz0qpb4vXG8-BegC2Dk/s200/phrase+stress.bmp" width="200" /></a></div>
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Students I use this with:<br />
Children working on pragmatics that have difficulty understanding idioms.<br />
Children with auditory processing needs. They can determine what word the stress is on.<br />
Children who have difficulty with suprasegmentals<br />
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Details:<br />
Phrase stress presents you with an idiom. You can choose to have the sound off or on when using this app. Then you are given 3 choices to choose from to solve the idiom.<br />
Specifically, I initially used it to take baseline data. Then I taught the skill targeted whether it be idioms or stress. At the end of the data taking period I went through the app again and took post test data to see whether there had been improvement.<br />
One aspect of the app that I really like is that you can use it as a teaching method as well as to take data. If you click on the book icon it has every idiom targeted, what it actually means and how it could be used in a sentence. Again, I've mentioned before I like versatile products and this is one of them .<br />
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<strong><u>Word Balloons</u></strong><br />
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<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wordballoons/id528996438?mt=8" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZUC_UXC1PgVfoh4FxKZFovRASp5ozVbEcI8lyRSmFBxSa8m03lFIFyTKFGeFbp7utzlsTVZcsyXZeFSF3_zx_2EjTAdJ6u6wtDiOgdaoKOH5qpsfCXdXRdSbDXvbD21waEjBNKk14ZPX/s1600/word+balloons.bmp" /></a></div>
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Students I use this app with:<br />
Kids working on carryover articulation skills<br />
Kids working on syntax<br />
Kids working on fluency<br />
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Details:<br />
Word balloons is an app that has the 500 most commonly used words in the English language. On the screen there is a word presented at the bottom. You have to find the balloon that matches that word as the balloons float across the screen. For children working on carryover of articulation, I have them repeat the word. For children working on syntax I have them tell me whether the word was a noun, verb or adjective. For a child working on fluency I have them say the word using a specific type of disfluency or have them say the word in a sentences using smooth speech. <br />
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<strong><u>Word Stress</u></strong><br />
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<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wordstress/id492558977?mt=8" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjPTBmktbrQYYAh9QXRBZ8TvZTZs7sI0vr2g7uDpTx5GJ7FIGy0JrMroMG34sAfzTjyhRAPGBa3Nw0p4SxE0XSXFOXfX_3FhlrDeRDboOJ1rE-Vln1wmUP3pFb5iAv79f4Cl6Y2-4rn26/s1600/word+stress.bmp" /></a></div>
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Students I use this app with:<br />
Kids with auditory processing disorder<br />
Kids with attention and memory issues<br />
Kids working on articulation and phonology<br />
Kids working on producing multi-syllabic words<br />
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Details:<br />
Word Stress has a dictionary of 5,000 most commonly used words in the English language. You can choose to have a maximum of 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 or 10+ letters in the words. I used this app with a child working on auditory memory tasks and so I chose 4 letters and he had to listen to the word while looking at the screen and then fill in the blank. If you wanted to work on multi-syllabic words, I'd choose 10+ letters in the words and then we would practice clapping out the word and work together to fill in the blanks. This app is difficult to use with younger children because it helps to be able to read and have phonemic awareness to complete the tasks. <br />
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All in all these were fun apps that engaged the kids and helped them attend to the activities. <br />
Have you used these apps? Did you use them differently than my suggestions? I'd love to hear how! Please leave a comment so everyone can benefit from your genius :)<br />
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**Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this post are Speech Lady Liz's. The companies are nice enough to provide materials to try out, but provide no other compensation.<br />
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<br />Elizabeth Gretzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339666089127068715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8526209452332852779.post-54627695930326097642012-10-16T14:00:00.000-05:002012-10-17T20:08:23.608-05:00Halloween Prep & Appy HourMy Halloween outfit is coming together (I'll be a ballerina) and I'm reminiscing about my <a href="http://speechladyliz.blogspot.com/2011/10/halloween.html" target="_blank">Halloween post</a> last year. I haven't decided yet how I'll incorporate Halloween into my new class. Pretty sure it will involve some pretty hands on activities. I'll keep you updated on that through <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Speech-Lady-Liz/253912124680641" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or <a href="http://web.stagram.com/n/speechladyliz/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. <br />
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Make sure to check out what I used last year in my classroom. <br />
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<a href="http://speechladyliz.blogspot.com/2011/10/halloween.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="150" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ZsAQF-ifBloL3W-VVCc6rLXmOD-FWOn7XJC9oUETDFcoeLb1uEa37aKqs73lznQ2-gR7qMFWjyWNnmcSIN7_NfIMadL9-RzhwOucRr8sY4Q01AdGw6qrAccuTMlLkhUo-jIce3MPEH3x/s200/Halloween.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://speechladyliz.blogspot.com/2011/10/halloween.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="150" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeeAmWbZpSKk9jsRKUm4GUlE5PQVHS-jrwQr0s9bMxnjRVz6sc2JPBACkyvXGc5FKb4oz8juY0e_O8FokFPfOEYIo1RWKLkq7WmXX26LVTI7jnQDnxHLh3ktaux0AyJB6gd7A0PXGYqSxA/s200/pumpkin+artic.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Here are some fun and free apps to use for the holiday. <br />
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/holiday-picture-it!/id441875140?mt=8" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="190" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL8dHPYbR5OItsytbMNJmeRpf-9bu5CFws05W9AWKPq8qbDLO6HYJQTcF-3pTFU0vWotaeO6mZoZsy5jkXDUUTzN9F9LQujTeHwCeRKmW13Y3mh9pl_g_wuvHcUwTatZOIFwxpKQCmWnVX/s200/imagesCASYO18P.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/holiday-picture-it!/id441875140?mt=8" target="_blank">Holiday Pic it!</a>-Free</div>
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Take a picture of you or your student and they can choose to put Halloween items on certain parts of their body or face (i.e. Put the pumpkin on your head). </div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/carve-pumpkin-from-parents/id394900607?mt=8" target="_blank"><img border="0" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7oPRP3N91PMMzKmsVJrRWDGGIYxnjec-2sg8NF_EME6QQNf9xouuqpf4hHqwiXzWrHLQBp9baUPWxTtkzVeKNclFbu8Q7XG4G-PdrTb27EM8m9Bo8j0PyHuEi64E-Rhu7NyjevLKY5Gc/s1600/mzm_zrtnmpgc_175x175-75.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/carve-pumpkin-from-parents/id394900607?mt=8" target="_blank">Carve-A-Pumpkin</a> -Free</div>
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I modeled what I wanted the kids to do by saying, "Put the triangle eyes on the pumpkin." Then they got a turn to give me the directions. </div>
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There are so many awesome Halloween activities out there. Make sure to check back on Thursday for "End of the Week SLP Blues". </div>
Elizabeth Gretzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339666089127068715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8526209452332852779.post-19081360043279446192012-10-15T09:00:00.000-05:002012-10-15T09:00:13.750-05:00Speech Lady Says...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseMU7JNNPEyZ7QWwV-qW_0XSxjN70BKtJHTX20_0fMrVAZurIL4oe1rR0zx_kj7Iu1mRSaNVR9IFu2ib94u11lvsIhgl5u7QMTgI02CdCyET2C7KITfHPbgOPju2iB4aJv9En88H5iuJn/s1600/There+is+a+certain+happiness+in+being+silly+and+ridiculous.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseMU7JNNPEyZ7QWwV-qW_0XSxjN70BKtJHTX20_0fMrVAZurIL4oe1rR0zx_kj7Iu1mRSaNVR9IFu2ib94u11lvsIhgl5u7QMTgI02CdCyET2C7KITfHPbgOPju2iB4aJv9En88H5iuJn/s320/There+is+a+certain+happiness+in+being+silly+and+ridiculous.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
The good news about my job is that I can be completely ridiculous and over the top. My boss always says to keep kids engaged you have to be engaging. What other job can you make up silly songs, dress-up for themed lesson plans and play in the mud? I try and live in that moment and remember that no other job allows you to play in a ball pit, have an entire conversation through animal crackers and jump in a bounce house.
Elizabeth Gretzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339666089127068715noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8526209452332852779.post-23980347620014305742012-10-08T07:00:00.000-05:002012-10-08T07:00:05.013-05:00Speech Lady Says...Who knew that living without Internet for a month would be as hard as it was?! Yikes! Makes me realize how dependent I am on it. Anywho, I now have Internet and will be getting back into the swing of posting again. In my new job I have less kids, but seems like more work. How the heck did that happen? I find myself needing a little boost of energy/confidence/sanity to get me through the week. Therefore, on Mondays you'll be seeing "Speech Lady Says..." So without further ado here's the first one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsaJ2l_Xm2-vJNBhtCUebqH6TgV6X4PVRTwQRF88ZJdWmW1VlvpKgxBKhvRrG1F_l-Hn0HMA5ZXPNFO1VuMc85uJaCtZeANJXa844q_xcd7YSJAgHdDzDgZ_lqsWOXzcPuN-se8-ycXWpX/s1600/small+moment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsaJ2l_Xm2-vJNBhtCUebqH6TgV6X4PVRTwQRF88ZJdWmW1VlvpKgxBKhvRrG1F_l-Hn0HMA5ZXPNFO1VuMc85uJaCtZeANJXa844q_xcd7YSJAgHdDzDgZ_lqsWOXzcPuN-se8-ycXWpX/s200/small+moment.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I know personally I need a reminder of this well.....every morning. So as I sit on the bus headed to work, I drink my coffee and set a goal for the day. I usually try to make it a small goal and I make it very specific (i.e. "Have more patience with (enter student's name).", "Email a parent and tell them something great their child accomplished that day." etc.). This positive thinking in the morning really can change a whole day. </div>
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Don't worry everyone, I won't try and get this deep with you every Monday :)</div>
Elizabeth Gretzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339666089127068715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8526209452332852779.post-77452342713361902822012-09-16T10:00:00.000-05:002012-09-16T10:00:04.345-05:00National Talk Like A Pirate DaySeptember 19th is "National Talk Like A Pirate Day". Check out<a href="http://speechladyliz.blogspot.com/2012/05/end-of-week-slp-blues-pirate-edition.html" target="_blank"> this</a> past pirate post for all kinds of ideas on what to do in speech therapy to celebrate those lovely pirates! Aaaargh!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfZccCmbS2njKSzOszNaJINSSshhMevSfU2tjpLyQAWBlXeacIYIXzR4LTBgasFcmWEAp37IxFmtsLLQ-5Xs7mzmChUmrlPAI2E4G4oB4-WhzCIWQEXvyC7gXanuvxjGT8gWyj_n8Qf0R/s1600/imagesCABWRT3P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfZccCmbS2njKSzOszNaJINSSshhMevSfU2tjpLyQAWBlXeacIYIXzR4LTBgasFcmWEAp37IxFmtsLLQ-5Xs7mzmChUmrlPAI2E4G4oB4-WhzCIWQEXvyC7gXanuvxjGT8gWyj_n8Qf0R/s1600/imagesCABWRT3P.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Elizabeth Gretzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339666089127068715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8526209452332852779.post-13877284559293965422012-08-31T08:00:00.000-05:002012-08-31T08:00:12.989-05:00Happy Birthday!Today is the official one year mark of Speech Lady Liz. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFXqpYHrdHctVHOSNm5CUGtrF7YIMf9-xGyKQFeuT6AVgDT-TTE6SGgwdvWp3r6ef41tK8HEenBME73kz8ZV8eHiOQync6WDDDlq9Br2GRJ17c6cfCTGOCSOX2ShLsN-Ri2xw9kBef5kG/s1600/blog_anniversary1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFXqpYHrdHctVHOSNm5CUGtrF7YIMf9-xGyKQFeuT6AVgDT-TTE6SGgwdvWp3r6ef41tK8HEenBME73kz8ZV8eHiOQync6WDDDlq9Br2GRJ17c6cfCTGOCSOX2ShLsN-Ri2xw9kBef5kG/s320/blog_anniversary1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm cognizant enough to tell all of you that I never thought I would last this long. I am the queen of starting something and never finishing. It's an awful characteristic that I work on daily to change. That being said there is only one reason as to why I've done this blogging thing for this long and plan to continue....wait for it, wait for it (How I Met Your Mother reference there) it's you all. </div>
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We SLPs have one of the most wonderful communities out there. My CF year was let's just say stressful. I had not a single material in my hands on my first day and I had to come up with things fast. I would not wish that situation on anyone, so that's why I do this. I love lesson planning. It's a weird guilty pleasure that I have. On work nights when I'm at home, I can pretty much tell you that I'm watching awful reality television, pinteresting, drinking wine and coming up with ideas to use in therapy. If you've ever seen a post with one too many grammatical errors it's probably because the wine was more a priority then anything else and I got a little "publish" happy. </div>
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Looking back over the year and what I have published so far, I strive to create more ideas that are multi-purpose and are there to target a range of goals your students may have. I want to create a site that is easy to navigate and provides you all with free materials. I have to make this stuff for my students anyways, so why wouldn't I share my goods?!? </div>
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Needless to say, yet important for me to say is that I appreciate all of you. You all are so supportive, encouraging, inquisitive and just plain old wonderful. So in honor of Speech Lady Liz's birthday, here are the most looked at posts over the past year. Enjoy and THANK YOU!</div>
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Who the heck needs an iPad when you have styrofoam cups and beans?!<br />
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<a href="http://speechladyliz.blogspot.com/2012/01/low-tech-speech-therapy.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKUoBzBpEuRUo71oQOYA8I9-kjD6DCUbx9wWm2FHNTWKlFO-WeVxLzesP142zUdLYjxe7X72fAgp5tj7IhxVo84eQyyIdqPwHP_0UV4iWmWaIpZ0dJ6wyUaK67n1YXz5oVPBTttMMa6-w/s1600/IMG_20120109_145735.jpg" /></a></div>
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All time favorite book with a language lesson plan and articulation lesson plan. </div>
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<a href="http://speechladyliz.blogspot.com/2012/02/were-going-on-bear-hunt.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFU7KWPJasWF2zk8Lqm4kHgKJ_o4h8CpAORZIL79qaXGx9xpTJJutp7QqKW4_0GjOM_9FGTpnawSRtyYbQ1zdJKzyjDFhwqYZ1B5yaKBItkZeMvwiGkZrm7nV1lm2BVxeggcPqvZoBc2Q0/s1600/51T9MQ2CBQL__SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a></div>
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A personal favorite...maybe it's the title of the post that makes me happy, or the plethora of transportation ideas. </div>
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<a href="http://speechladyliz.blogspot.com/2012/04/planes-trains-and-automobiles.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie54bI4_IJew_iubMQvHta7blhmHH4XLINFDU-MSQ3O1_6zJ8N7Ur0y4dbsEGIlqqHTMFDa7LD59cpxRyXoTueF-do-xMtbKfJK_1h_nztTXQZw__4Bmuck7JkPPyDppZ7MBNzcSq40iSA/s1600/IMG_20120306_153056.jpg" /></a></div>
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Sometimes I feel like this Very Hungry Caterpillar</div>
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<a href="http://speechladyliz.blogspot.com/2011/10/very-hungry-caterpillar.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDxo52V5wG_G3xN05vtI_pYHqeG3Cm-0bBwAfD8xuib-j6Eg9h4OPpYJsTVo08LS25GgX2wzoZoOHy_suz748YdX1oae9al_kP9sLE6ityJmt4ITiKZzz4zf3I-Xt75634mkGnYTlnSnh/s1600/Very+Hungry+Cater.jpg" /></a></div>
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And my all time personal favorite and one that I got the most wonderful comments and emails about...</div>
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<a href="http://speechladyliz.blogspot.com/2012/05/why-i-do-what-i-do.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wBHXnoSyjIO2gITsi60-RHnkhNv0eFYYHAfvJuX8lhuHQofIoVoyJ5Te00KSjg1v6gjb2hCASnIvcZugjhwkMij8ebpPj9M9tm8nk9aegEQZqCRbw8hGx4i_HEdW2V2sbNEA1EtF4wWl/s1600/March+3,+2008+004.JPG" /></a></div>
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Make sure to leave comments. I look at all of them and truely enjoy seeing what you have to say. Thanks for sticking with me this past year and here's to many more years to come!</div>
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Elizabeth Gretzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339666089127068715noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8526209452332852779.post-9164929534090399432012-08-27T22:31:00.000-05:002012-08-27T22:35:07.292-05:00My New JobSo I've gotten email from people that are telling me I've been mysterious about my new job. Trust me, that was not my intention. I'm extremely proud of the place I work and just wanted to get settled in before I blasted it all over Speech Lady Liz. <br />
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In advance thanks for being patient as I've figured my life out and gotten settled in this new job. It's different than what I've been used to and has taken a little adjusting. I work at a place called <a href="http://www.blackbearacademy.com/" target="_blank">Black Bear Academy</a> in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. It's a pre-school owned by an SLP who is extremely passionate about providing the best services for all her students. So let me give you some basics on ol' Black Bear. Black Bear is a pre-school with 2 different tracks. A neuro-typical pre-school (taught by early childhood educators) and a therapeutic pre-school (taught by SLPs). The facility is top of the line and coming from the public schools it's amazing to me the kind of materials that are now at my fingertips. I've always loved working with the little one's and here I really get to know each child. If you ask any of my old co-workers they will tell you that I used to cry and blubber about how I wish I had more time with each child to work on all their goals. When you're in the public schools and have 60+ kids on your caseload it is physically impossible to be able to do that. In the therapeutic classes, Black Bear has a 3:1 student to teacher ratio (yes, I allow all of you to be super jealous right now). I see some kids for 7-8 hours a week. Talk about seeing improvement. There is consistency and you truly get to know the child. Basically everything I always wanted in the public schools, but realized was physically impossible to achieve. I'm still figuring out my role and how I can continue to provide you all with resources and materials that will fit all of your caseloads. I will do my best, but bare with me. My dad always says that when he doesn't hear from his children it usually means that everything is going well, so take this recent absence in posts as a sign that Speech Lady Liz is happy and will be back in full swing soon. Make sure to check out the <a href="http://www.blackbearacademy.com/" target="_blank">Black Bear website</a>. I still have some work to do, but I might have already had my hand in it. :) <br />
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If you would have told me that I would be blogging and organizing websites last year I would have laughed in your face....I guess the joke is on me!<br />
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Also, if you live in the Chicago area and have any questions about Black Bear, please email me and I would love to give you more information.<br />
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Yay to new jobs and new experiences!</div>
Elizabeth Gretzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339666089127068715noreply@blogger.com5