Speech in the Schools

My Summer "Work"

Valerie Lill — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:31:00 GMT

I write this blog about to begin my first full week of summer break! It started after lunch last Tuesday and ends on August 19th with inservice days. I know many school-based SLPs choose to work as SLPs during their summers off for various reasons, which...(read more)

Is Change in the Air?

Alexandra Streeter — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 17:07:00 GMT

I have a dream position as an SLP. I work in one school with an amazing staff, and I've accumulated all the materials I need. Why, then, lately have I found myself wondering about change, wondering about other school districts and if they do things differently?...(read more)

It's a Wrap

Valerie Lill — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 12:48:00 GMT

I'm writing this blog with only four and a half more student days to go (followed by in-services on Friday afternoon, Monday, and Tuesday morning, but if students aren't there, does it really count as a workday?). In some ways it seemed like it would...(read more)

Endless Possibilities: Disney’s Story App

Alexandra Streeter — Tue, 28 May 2013 17:39:00 GMT

Has anyone else out there downloaded Disney's free app "Story?" Essentially, this app uses your photo stream from your iPad or iPhone, and you can easily create albums and stories in minutes. I was able to throw together a social story in less than 10...(read more)

Trialing AAC with PECS Users

Valerie Lill — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:25:00 GMT

Last month I did a survey asking for two topics from my state's annual convention you'd like to hear about. One of them was "Strategies for Transitioning from PECs to SGD." I had the privilege of hearing Lori Frost, the co-author of the PECs training...(read more)

Turn Taker

Alexandra Streeter — Mon, 13 May 2013 19:30:00 GMT

I have a new app find that I'm excited to share with you! The App is "TURN TAKER" by Touch Autism. Since I discovered it (for $4.99) at the app store, I have used it with many students. First, I show the kids the social story. It uses simple language...(read more)

SLP? Mother? Both!

Valerie Lill — Wed, 08 May 2013 13:20:00 GMT

I realize that not all of us school-based SLPs are mothers, or even women for that matter. I apologize for those of you I'm leaving out with this blog, but many of us are both SLPs and mothers. I am one. I'm the working school-based SLP mother of a 6-year-old...(read more)

Summer 2013

Alexandra Streeter — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:26:00 GMT

Summer isn't too far away, and in some parts of the country you get out of school in May! Last year I wrote a blog entitled the "Great Summer Packet" debate, and I worked hard at creating summer packets for my students. I surveyed my parents to find out...(read more)

Trust Your Instincts

Valerie Lill — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:47:00 GMT

Thank you to my fellow blogger, Alexander Streeter, for being the only voter on my last blog (regarding which topics I attended at my state convention and what the readers would like me to blog about). Per her request today I'll start to blog about the...(read more)

COOKIE NEXT DOOR—Rainy Day

Alexandra Streeter — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:10:00 GMT

Over the last 2 weeks a group of upper elementary girls and I have enjoyed an app named Cookie Next Door-Rainy Days. This app is essentially an animated cartoon to which students provide the narrative using their voices. Cookie is a little guy who takes...(read more)

Highlights of a State Convention

Valerie Lill — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:37:00 GMT

This past Thursday, Friday, and Saturday I was lucky enough to attend my state's annual convention. I was even luckier that it was held only 20 minutes away from where I live! But the most fortunate part of the whole thing (other than getting approved...(read more)

Spring is Springing!

Alexandra Streeter — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 13:18:00 GMT

Spring is slow to arrive around these parts, however the internet is full of downloadable spring activities to use in therapy! I've talked about it before, and will continue to do so, check out Teachers Pay Teachers for a plethora of spring themed activities!...(read more)

The “Ize” Have It

Valerie Lill — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:20:00 GMT

This time of year is definitely my least favorite time of the school year. Crunch time! The perfect storm of having to do progress reports for the end of the third marking period, monthly medical access, and numerous Reevaluation Reports and IEPs all...(read more)

My Latest Favorite Freebies

Alexandra Streeter — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 19:14:00 GMT

I am sure that most of us search for free iPad apps to keep therapy fun and kids motivated. Here are some of MY recent faves (and sometimes the price changes, so I apologize in advance if some are not free.) 1. EGG ZOO! This is a free app that teaches...(read more)

Expert, School-Based SLP, or Both?

Valerie Lill — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:25:00 GMT

Recently at school someone had contacted me about something in regard to assistive technology. When I had mentioned this to the individual the next time I saw her (as to what made her think to contact me first) she commented, "You're the speech assistive...(read more)