SLP Book Club: Ghost Boy
This is one of those books that I wish I could get everyone (every adult) to read. But at the very least, anyone who works with or has a loved one who is nonverbal.





This is one of those books that I wish I could get everyone (every adult) to read. But at the very least, anyone who works with or has a loved one who is nonverbal.
The Read With Me! program is designed to facilitate oral language and preliteracy skill development in young children (18 months to 8 years, although can work for older children with delays/disabilities). These strategies help parents, caregivers, and early childhood educators learn how to make reading time interactive to get the most out of reading time.
I have a client who picks and scratches her skin until she bleeds. It is a behavior that is being addressed by other members of her team. It comes and goes. This week it came.
Children are observant and naturally curious. As they get older they begin to notice differences between themselves and others. Sometimes that sparks questions about differences in skin color or other physical differences, sometimes about behaviors they find curious, sometimes regarding the way another child talks (or the fact that someone doesn't talk). These questions are not intended to be rude, insulting, or hurtful. They are simply seeking information and learning about the world around them. Whether or not you have a child with special needs, it is important for all kids to understand special needs. Understanding leads to acceptance and compassion, inclusion and kindness. Books can be a great way to share information and open a dialogue.
Dr. Robertson made a simple but powerful statement: we are good at telling parents about the need to read to their children (the why), but we never tell them what or how to read to children. Oh. My. Goodness! As Oprah would say, huge 'ah-ha!' moment! Then I saw a review for a new book by speech-language pathologist Kimberly Scanlon: "Learning to Read is a Ball". "Learning to Read is a Ball" is part children's book, part parent guide. An example of what to read, with a guide on how to read it!