So this is a fun year for me as a mom because my two oldest are both with me at school. My oldest son (8) has spent the past year teaching my daughter (5) the ins and outs of what to expect at school. Seriously, every breakfast for a year we had serious discussions about assembly etiquette, reading charts, and centers. It has been a series of very sweet sibling moments. So as we started this school year my son was explaining to her that Mommy doesn’t have a big classroom like “regular teachers” but that I help small groups because I’m a “Speechologist”. Ha! I love it! I’ve always felt like it’s such a mouthful to say Speech Language Pathologist, so I think a new title has been born! This SPEECHOLOGIST is excited for this school year!
Today some of my groups worked in the beloved spinner station. I love this because I can use pre-made pictures, magnetic questions, story vocabulary, or even written targets to create a unique game board for each child or group. The students are able to work independently while I rotate between them. I also have used this with groups where I facilitate everyone at once. The kids think the spinner is out-of-this-world fantastic.
Last week I found these locker mirrors on clearance in the Target Dollar Spot. I originally picked some up for a kindergarten teacher {we are collaborating on teaching letter/sound correspondence} and decided to add a few into my cart for my groups too. I already have large tri-fold mirrors for the table and hand held mirrors for individual practice. A Speechologist can always find use for another mirror, right? I love that these are magnetic so they are a) eye level to the kids when working at the board and b) are hands free so that kids can write or spin or draw. I knew that the visual feedback would have a huge impact as the kids are continuing to learn sound placement. What surprised me today was how much I benefited from being able to stand behind them and also see their placement. I don’t usually have that when they are working at the board. It was nice to give real-time reinforcement with the spinner station!
Another student has been using unifix cubes to visually represent the syllables as he practices each word. We wrote his teacher’s name on a set and have practiced that one name over 200 times this week (with his teacher, with me, across the school with other staff members). So these square magnets I had fit right in with our board work today…he tapped each block as he pronounced his answers. He was doing double duty because we were also targeting WHO questions at his spinner station.
So this is a little snapshot from my day. Please share some moments from your therapy day too! I love hearing new ideas.
Emily-
I love this idea of a giant spinner on the white board. Did you make the spinner, if so, how did you make it?…or where did you purchase it from?
Hi Sara! Thanks for the question! I bought these spinners (set of three) direct from a catalog. They are on Amazon right now for $15 for the set. (Educational Insights SpinZone Magnetic Whiteboard Spinners) They are one of my most favorite therapy tools because they are so versatile. I am lucky to have a magnetic board, however I’ve also made my own spinner station using a foam board, cutting a hole, and taping a dollar store cookie sheet to the back. Attach the spinner through the hole on the front and spin away! You could also use a large cookie sheet with the spinner and use the colorful tape to divide your sections. I hope you decide to get the spinners! Emily