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’.