Two years in the making....

Two years ago I posted this image on my SLP Runner Facebook Page of a strategy I was using with students. My students really liked figuring out the blending words and they made progress at producing their sounds. I received a lot of feedback on this idea and knew that I wanted to create a product with this idea in mind. I have an abundance of ideas sitting in a folder taunting me to get started. Fast forward to last week when we were hit with 2 feet of snow in Vermont. The storm resulted in two snow days and I finally sat down and got to work. 16 hours later, and with the help of some adorable clip art I bring to you S-Blends Snake. 

Enjoy a Snnnnnnnnappy, Snnnnnnnnnnazzy, Ssssssssspecial kind of day. 

Funny SLP Memes!

Need a little pick-me-up with some SLP Humor? I wanted to give you a fun break from your crazy SLP Life and share some of my Memes. I asked other SLPs to share some of their creations too. These Memes come from actual experiences in the day in the life of an SLP. 

When this Meme from my SLP Runner Facebook Page went viral, I knew that we had something in common. 

Speaking of practicing speech sounds, I'm glad too many aren't catching us making our "Use your articulators" face. Check out Amy's Instagram page for more laughs. 

If only it were that easy...  Thanks 8th Word Wonder for the great Meme. 

Sad, but true and this Meme makes me want a Mint Milano. 

Check out @KaylaSLP for some other fun Memes. 

Speech Sprouts  we know how you feel! The worst is when someone else's name is on the report. 

Oh no! Here's one for you SNF and hospital-based SLPs from  Ms. Gardenia's Speech Room 

I decided to make a Meme out of my most popular FB Image. Yes, this REALLY did happen. My purse is a black hole. 

The Dabbling Speechie is queen of the Gifs! Go check out her Facebook page for loads of laughs. 

Isn't this so true. I don't now about you, but I never know my schedule by heart. This one can be found on my Instagram. 

Sorry kids, we're testing today! Thanks Speech Time Fun! Those faces are priceless. 

The anticipation grows and grows and suddenly: Noooooooo! Sublime Speech made this adorable Meme relating to the ceiling rule. 

SLPs don't care about the content, just if you pronounced it correctly! Speech Therapy Fun nailed it with this Meme. 

Bonus: If only.... 

Ta-Da an instant mood boost. Be sure to follow our pages for more SLP Humor. 

What WE can do about the Anxiety/Trauma Epidemic!

As I write this, my child is anxious in anticipation of school tomorrow. We go through this every Sunday. At work, I have an increased level of students with anxiety, depression, trauma, and other significant mental health challenges. What we know as professionals, is that when kids are in stress, they can't learn.
Experts say children are struggling to cope with mounting levels of stress. This is why I researched the most effective calming strategies for kids. 

Calming Can contains an assortment of 24 strategies, many research-based, and explicit instructions on using the techniques. Customized toolboxes are included for students to choose the strategies that work best for them. My child and students are responding so well to these strategies and really enjoy learning and experiencing stress reduction techniques. 

Last week one of my students became very worried when he was alerted of an impending storm. We took the time to review the situation and worked through the calming strategies. He expressed that he felt empowered to walk away with a customized toolbox of strategies that worked!

Another student experienced trauma at a young age. He has a very hard time focusing. The 5-finger mindfulness technique works so well for him to quickly come back "into the room" and focus on the task at hand. 

Because I'm so passionate about equipping students with an armor of skills, I am providing you this FREE list of my favorite strategies to use students. 

If you are interested in more detailed instruction on the strategies, My Calming Can product can be found if you Click Here. 

Thank you for caring about the emotional well-being students! 

My best to you!