Meet the SLP Bloggers

It takes a lot more work than I originally anticipated. I create materials that I am inspired to use in my therapy sessions so I take a lot of care in making them “just right.” It’s hard to answer this questions but on average it probably takes me a week to complete a project. Some projects take longer because I test them in therapy and then make revisions. There is a lot of planning that needs to occur to make a resource as opposed to a worksheet. You need to think of possible objectives, design layout, clipart, therapy extensions, etc.

With respect to blogging, I find that my most useful blogs need at minimum 2 days to prep for an afternoon or evening write up. Although I make materials to sell on TpT and my blog helps me get that out to educators, my true reason for blogging its to give my readers a inspiration and complete idea of possible activities to use in their sessions. I want my readers to walk away saying, “I could do that tomorrow!” That’s what I look for when I read other educator’s blogs and websites.

I’m really on this syntax and phonological awareness kick! I like creating visuals that can be used in a variety of therapy sessions and for home use. I do this because it makes lesson planning and prepping much simpler and also provides students with multiple exposures to specific vocabulary and images.

Besides games and visuals, I enjoy creating professional resources. I want to make data collection easier for therapists and teachers.  I really enjoy creating resources such as my Pragmatics Profile that help therapists collect important information in the simplest and most direct way. My next big project is focused around Response to Intervention (RTI) but that is going to take me much longer than a week to produce. I’m working on collecting feedback from the trenches. Keep and eye out 🙂

The best part about blogging is knowing that you are helping someone develop their therapy and instruction. I have learned so much from blogs because they are first hand accounts. You relate to these people more than you relate to textbooks. I like that I can help inspire teachers, families, and therapists. I also like how it makes me think about my instruction and practices. I am a better therapist because of this.

Well, I’m a rookie but this is what I am trying to do now. Create a schedule. Time management is key to rolling out meaningful blogs. Create a list of things you want to review and discuss. Don’t make it too overwhelming. You don’t have to get it all out at once.

 

8. Add a question and answer of your choice (can be speech related or not).

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

You can’t go wrong with cookies ‘n’ cream.