Speaking Strips- another way to slow down and clarify words

I created these speaking strips for one of my students.  We have been working on different ways to clarify and slow down his speech.  I thought it might be helpful to have visuals for phrases that he uses a lot.  Once I made the phrases I decided to put these syllable boxes underneath the corresponding pictures.

The goal is to have the student touch a box each time they say a syllable.  This will hopefully allow them to get every part of each word necessary for creating their sentence.

It may not work for every student but it is another method to try if you are working on improving the intelligibility of a student's speech.  

Enjoy

These materials were created with Boardmaker.

Learning to write your name!

When I was studying during my undergrad, I had an AMAZING professor. Katie had taught special education and knew the ins and outs of the profession.  But more than that, she was creative and really individualized everything she would do for her students.  She taught us this one neat trick that I used with a lot of my students who had low fine motor skills.  I have also used it with my own children.  Its a fun and adaptive way to teach writing.  I told my aunt about it recently and she asked if I would make some for her preschool students who have Autism.  So I thought I would share it with you.  Weather you are a teacher, a mom with small children or someone homeschooling their children this is an easy and reusable way to work on writing!

First I grabbed some cardstock and wrote the students name with a thick marker.  Then I laminated the paper.  After I cut the size I wanted I was ready to go.

I grabbed my hot glue gun and traced around the edges of the name. (When you are doing this keep in mind that you will be leaving enough room for a dry erase marker to trace right where your letters are.  You are creating a thick barrier so the marker is easily and correctly guided.

Once you are done you let it dry.  Put added glue on if needed.  Now I know this is not the most atractive looking diy you have ever seen but it really works.  I would use this in my classroom and have the students practice their names while they were waiting for the other students to arrive.  When they were done you could easily erase the name and use it over and over again.  In addition as the student gets more proficient you can peel and reglue with a thinner line.  Also you could slowly remove one letter at a time as they got more independent with it, thus preparing them for complete independence.  I love this creation so therefore I think EVERYONE should know about it.  Enjoy!!

Have a listen!

So I am going to brag here for a moment.  I attended Brigham Young University for my undergraduate work in special education.  It was terrific.  An amazing amazing program with incredible professors.  Well one of my professors (my favorite) sorry its true, I think the rest of the faculty would understand- is one of the guests on this little audio clip. Katy Steed- is amazing.  I learned so much from her. (And you will too as you listen to this clip.) As I have taught and consulted I have used so many of the things I learned from her.  Over the years I have come to understand that some teachers just "have it"-Katy clearly "has it".  Having it is all the difference between an amazing special educator and just a teacher.  Its hard to describe what "having it" means, I like to think I "have it".  Some of the words that come to mind are- intuition, dedication, desire, consistency, drive, creativity, understanding, connection, motivation, love, joy (pure joy), and something that I hope to someday put my finger on but I guess I could describe it as anytime you see, hear, read about, teach or interact with one of these special individuals with disabilities you just beam, you get the chills and the excitement of a little child all at the same time, you want to hug them and learn everything you can about them and do anything and everything to help them.  It just so hard to describe but thats just what I mean about "having it."  Maybe its like catching the bug....and I've caught it-bad!!!!  Thanks for being such a great teacher Katy and thanks for this amazing clip. 

I think anyone who hears this will find something helpful.  Although the winter holidays have passed I think this can give parents, educators, friends etc a glimpse into how to make any type of schedule change or holiday a little more smooth for those around us.  Particularly those with Autism.

Click here to find the clip.