Contemplating Themes

I have a new ‘project’.  A HUGE project.  An exciting undertaking.  This past year I have been trying to incorporate themes into my therapy.  I have been more successful during holiday seasons, when the “theme” tends to be fairly obvious.  As much as possible, I like to incorporate using children’s books, too.  One, it is a nice way to carry or introduce a theme.  Two, reading is one of the best ways to expose children to new concepts, vocabulary and language.  It is also fun!  

Many kids with speech/language issues (as well as those with developmental delays) are at risk for reading difficulties.  Beyond academic success, reading is a life skill with a far reaching impact.  I am currently working with several kiddos who fall in this “at risk” category.  I have been reading posts by other SLPs about how they incorporate themes into therapy.  As I was thinking about getting more serious with my use of themes, it hit me: I could also incorporate a ‘letter of the week’.  Thus was born an ambitious project.

So, each week I will have a letter with corresponding theme that I will highlight in my therapy sessions.  Focus, of course, will be on each individual client’s therapy goals.  But I think this will add some nice spice…and opportunity.  Since most of my clients come only once per week, this can be viewed as an introduction to the letter/theme.  My plan is to post ideas for parents to carryover the letter/theme throughout the rest of the week for more learning and exposure.  We’ll see how it goes!  I’m starting next week. 

Check back soon for a post on our first ‘letter of the week’.