SLP Coffee Talk

Latest Episodes:

It Is a Brand New School Year: Let’s Set Ourselves up for Success Aug 08, 2022

Show notes

Are you ready for a brand new school year?

I know many of us are still in summer mode right now but there are also many that are headed back to school, so in this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, I’m sharing my best tips for setting yourself up for success this year.

I hope that you had some time to relax and reenergize this summer. It is so important that you are able to rest so that you can start refreshed and ready to go come fall.

I have found that the more I do during the first week of school, the more successful the year is. I feel less overwhelmed and more prepared when things get chaotic.

There are some things that I do every year that help me get going and be more prepared. It doesn’t have to be fancy or elaborate to be effective. It’s about using your time wisely now while things are calm so that you can prepare yourself for when you don’t have the extra time.

Tune in to hear how I organize my data binder, spreadsheets, and calendar for a more successful school year.

Full show notes available at www.speechtimefun.com/132

Resources Mentioned:

FREE 30-minute live workshop: https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/slp-webinar-registration

Where We Can Connect:

Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/slp-coffee-talk/id1497341007

Follow Hallie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speechtimefun

Follow Hallie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpeechTimeFun/

Follow Hallie on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/missspeechie/

Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets

So How Do We Decide What Goals To Work on? Aug 01, 2022

Show notes

How do you decide what goals to work on during therapy sessions?

I am often asked about what goals to work on based on the results of the standardized tests that we are given. However, I actually don’t like to base my goals on those results.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, I am sharing how I actually decide on goals for my speech therapy students.

We all know that we have to generate an IEP and deal with the higher-ups and funding so we do need those standardized tests to justify our services. However, if we make our goals based on what they did wrong on the tests, we will be working on the same things for years and years.

We are here to work on tasks that are similar to those assessments, but we need to work on more than just those tasks. The things they do on those tests are not what they are going to need to do in society.

When determining goals, the best thing you can do is get as much information on the student as possible. Tune in to learn how I conduct assessments in my speech therapy practice and how I use them to pick the right goals for my students.

Full show notes available at www.speechtimefun.com/131

Resources Mentioned:

Get the History of Legos Baseline inside the SLP Elevate Membership: http://slpelevate.com

Where We Can Connect:

Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/slp-coffee-talk/id1497341007

Follow Hallie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speechtimefun

Follow Hallie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpeechTimeFun/

Follow Hallie on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/missspeechie/

SLPs and Selective Mutism with Joleen Fernald Jul 25, 2022

Show notes

Selective mutism is a topic that I know many SLPs have lots of questions about, and I haven’t had the right answers. Luckily, in this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, I have special guest Joleen Fernald on to talk about everything you need to know about selective mutism.

Joleen R. Fernald, Ph.D., CCC-SLP was awarded Board Specialty Recognition in Child Language from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Dr. Fernald follows Greenspan and Wieder’s model, DIRFloortime®, when working with children and families.

She has a special interest in the social-emotional development of young children and its impact on their speech and language skills. As a speech-language pathologist, Dr. Fernald works with children who have a variety of communication disorders.

Since selective mutism is an anxiety-based disorder, it can be confusing for SLPs to understand our role in helping students, but it's important to remember that this affects their social communication and we are the experts in that.

Tune in to learn more about what selective mutism is, what causes it, and how we can best support and help our students with this condition.

Full show notes available atwww.speechtimefun.com/130

Resources Mentioned:

Get the Free Data Collection Sheet: https://www.dropbox.com/s/i4dsfddkjdc1whc/DIR-SM%20Data%20Collection.pdf?dl=0

Visit Joleen’s website: https://joleenfernald.com/

Follow Joleen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoleenRFernaldPediatricTherapyServices

Join the DIR-Selective Mutism Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/778874929466312

Follow Joleen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.jo_selectivemutism_slp/

Check out the Selective Mutism website: https://www.selectivemutism.org/

Where We Can Connect:

Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/slp-coffee-talk/id1497341007

Follow Hallie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speechtimefun

Follow Hallie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpeechTimeFun/

Follow Hallie on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/missspeechie/

129: 5 Things CFYs Need Jul 18, 2022

Show notes

Wondering what you need for your CFY?

With back-to-school time quickly approaching for some, I wanted to chat on this episode of SLP Coffee Talk about some things that you need as a brand new CF.

Now, if you aren’t a CF, don’t skip this episode! All of the things I’m sharing with you could apply to you too. These things have been essential in my time as an SLP and I want you to go into your first day fully prepared and ready for whatever comes.

There are so many things I wish I knew back when I was completing my CFY. I know it can be overwhelming, but these are some of the top things that I think you will need as a CF. I am still learning even now so it’s my goal to help you get a head start.

Tune in to hear my top five essentials that you’ll want to have ready to go so that you can begin your CF ready and prepared for whatever comes your way!

Full show notes available at www.speechtimefun.com/129

Resources Mentioned:

Free Group Therapy Data Forms: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Group-Therapy-Data-Forms-FREEBIE-2032236

Where We Can Connect:

Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/slp-coffee-talk/id1497341007

Follow Hallie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speechtimefun

Follow Hallie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpeechTimeFun/

Follow Hallie on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/missspeechie/

128: What Is Gestalt Language Processing (And How Does It Look for the Older Students)?! with Alexandria Zachos Jul 11, 2022

Show notes

Have you heard of Gestalt Language Processing?

This is something that many SLPs don’t actually know a lot about but understanding it can make a huge impact on your students. We have always been told to redirect echolalia, but kids that communicate that way are gestalt language processors, and it’s important to understand how to help them.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, I sat down with Alexandria Zachos to talk about gestalt language processing and how you can incorporate this knowledge into your therapy practice.

Alexandria is a licensed speech-language pathologist in the state of Illinois and has been practicing since 2003. Over the past eighteen years, she has provided therapy for all ages in a variety of clinical settings, including public schools, home therapy, acute care, rehabilitation hospitals, and outpatient clinics.

Tune in to learn more about what gestalt language processing is, therapy activities you can do with these students, how to collect data during these types of lessons, and so much more!

Full show notes available at www.speechtimefun.com/128

Resources Mentioned:

Check out Alexandria’s course and get the FREE handout: https://www.meaningfulspeech.com/

Follow Meaningful Speech on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meaningfulspeech/?hl=en

Follow Meaningful Speech on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meaningfulspeech/

Where We Can Connect:

Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/slp-coffee-talk/id1497341007

Follow Hallie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speechtimefun

Follow Hallie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpeechTimeFun/

Follow Hallie on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/missspeechie/

127: Dynamic Assessment and More with Nia Thomas Jul 04, 2022

Show notes

Have you ever struggled to diagnose an English language learner because you aren’t sure if it’s a difference or a disorder?

Many SLPs struggle with this because we don’t want to be wrong about a diagnosis just because our student is learning the English language. The most effective way for us to really understand our ELLs is to use dynamic assessments and language sampling instead of standardized tests.

In today’s episode of SLP Coffee Talk, I sat down with Nia Thomas to talk about how you can use dynamic assessments to determine if your students really have a speech disorder or if it’s just a difference.

Nia Thomas is a school-based bilingual speech-language pathologist, educator, and storyteller from NYC. She graduated from SUNY New Paltz in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Disorders and Black Studies. She went on to obtain her Master’s in Science from Teacher’s College, Columbia University.

A two-time Writing Our Lives alumni, Nia has written for Bustle, Remezcla, Fierce by Mitú, ASHA Leader Live, and other online publications. She is also the founder and editor of Bilingual Speech Resources.

Tune in to learn about why dynamic assessments and language samples are so much more effective with ELL students, tools and resources you can use, and so much more.

Full show notes available at www.speechtimefun.com/127

Resources Mentioned:

Visit Nia’s website: https://www.bilingualspeechresources.com/

Follow Nia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bilingualspeechresources/

Check out The Bilingual Speech Resources TpT store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bilingual-Speech-Resources

Leaders Project free CEU: https://www.leadersproject.org/ceu-courses-2/evidence-based-practice-in-disability-evaluations-asha-0-6-ceu-self-study-course/

Leaders Project Slam Cards: https://www.leadersproject.org/?s=slam+cards

126: How a Mom Helped Her Child Communicate with Natashia Kletter Jun 27, 2022

Show notes

Do you work with a lot of students with communication difficulties?

It can be so hard to watch a child struggle to tell you what they need. We have strategies in place to help them learn, but it takes time and it can be frustrating for children in those situations. In this week’s episode of SLP Coffee Talk, I sat down with Natashia Kletter to talk about how she created books that help children with communication challenges tell you what they want to say.

Natashia is the mother of an autistic boy who also has a rare genetic disorder and a daughter who has ADHD. She developed an assistive communication system for nonspeaking children, using her Mechanical Engineering degree and what she learned from her own son. She's now helping children around the world communicate in their own homes with more efficiency and fun.

Natashia’s books are being used in homes and classrooms with children that have difficulty communicating and the feedback she gets from teachers and parents has been inspiring. The kids are able to express themselves easily and feel heard for the first time.

These books are a great addition to any speech therapy classroom. They can be a valuable tool for working with students with autism or other disorders that make speaking a challenge in a way that is fun and easy to understand.

To learn more about Natashia and how her books are changing the way nonverbal children are communicating with their parents, caregivers, and teachers, make sure to tune in.

Full show notes available at www.speechtimefun.com/126

Resources Mentioned:

Check out the I Want To Tell You Books website: https://iwanttotellyoubooks.com/

Follow I Want To Tell You Books on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iwanttotellyoubooks/

Where We Can Connect:

Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/slp-coffee-talk/id1497341007

Follow Hallie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speechtimefun

Follow Hallie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpeechTimeFun/

Follow Hallie on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/missspeechie/

125: Neurodiversity-Affirming Approaches to Social and Emotional Learning with Meg Proctor Jun 20, 2022

Show notes

Have you ever heard of the neurodiversity-affirming approach to therapy?

For many years, we have been taught to teach students how to adapt to the world around them, but what if we approach it differently? The neurodiversity-affirming approach means that you work with autistic kids in a way that doesn’t ask them to fundamentally change who they are.

In today’s episode of SLP Coffee Talk, I sat down with Meg Proctor to talk about how you can start offering therapy that is respectful towards the autistic community and doesn’t teach them to be inauthentic to themselves.

Meg offers neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based trainings to OTs and SLPs who want to be more confident, effective, and affirming in their work with autistic kids.

Meg also hosts the podcast Two Sides of the Spectrum, designed to help neurotypical therapists better take the perspective of our autistic clients. Meg’s website, learnplaythrive.com, hosts a variety of free resources as well as CE trainings registered for AOTA and ASHA CEUs.

We have to let go of our neurotypical biases when working with autistic children. By teaching our students in the way that they need to be taught, we can get much better results and more motivation from them.

Tune in to learn more about the neurodiversity-affirming approach to therapy and how you can start utilizing this method in your therapy practice today.

Full show notes available at www.speechtimefun.com/125

Resources Mentioned:

Check out Meg’s website: https://learnplaythrive.com/

Follow Meg on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learnplaythrive/

Listen to the Two Sides of the Spectrum podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-sides-of-the-spectrum/id1514489746

Join Meg’s Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OTandAutism

Listen to Rachel Dorsey’s episode: https://speechtimefun.com/role-of-goals-for-autistic-students-with-rachel-dorsey/

Where We Can Connect:

Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/slp-coffee-talk/id1497341007

Follow Hallie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speec

124: Help Our Students Hear with Madison Levine Jun 13, 2022

Show notes

As SLPs, we work with students with all different backgrounds, and for some, that means hearing difficulties. For many SLPs, this is a challenge because students that need hearing aids have unique needs that we may not always feel qualified to assist with.

On this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, I sat down with Madison Levine, a hearing instrument specialist, to talk about hearing services for our students and how we can take an active role in helping students make the most of their hearing aids.

Madison Levine founded her audiology practice, Levine Hearing, in Charlotte, NC, in 2015. She followed in the footsteps of her mother, who showed her what it looked like to have a successful career and balance a family as well.

Besides feeling unprepared to help with hearing aids, one of the biggest challenges is when students are reluctant to use them. Hearing aids can make things feel uncomfortably loud in a way they aren’t used to and it can be jarring, however, this isn’t something that they can avoid.

The key to working with students like this is trust. Building rapport is the best way to get through to them when they are struggling to come around to their hearing aids. By building a good relationship, you can get through to them and help them understand why their hearing aids are important.

Tune in to learn more about how you can embrace learning about hearing instruments and help your students in the best way possible.

Full show notes available at www.speechtimefun.com/124

Resources Mentioned:

Follow Madison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madisonlistens/

Visit Madison’s website: https://levinehearing.com/

Where We Can Connect:

Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/slp-coffee-talk/id1497341007

Follow Hallie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speechtimefun

Follow Hallie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpeechTimeFun/

Follow Hallie on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/missspeechie/

123: Ways to Diversify the Field, Implicit Bias, & Barriers with DiverCity SLP Jun 06, 2022

Show notes

There is an unfortunate lack of diversity within the speech-language pathology profession.

With it being a predominantly white profession, that means that a large majority of SLP materials lack diversity as well. In today’s episode of SLP Coffee Talk, I sat down with Christina Royster and Courtney Overton from DiveryCity SLP to discuss the things that they are doing to increase diversity and representation within the field so that all children feel included.

In 2018, Ana-Maria Jaramillo, Courtney Overton, and Christina Royster created DiverCity SLP in order to increase diversity in the field of speech-language pathology. DiverCity SLP presents at local high schools with a high enrollment of underrepresented communities.

They speak with students about the need for more speech-language pathologists of color. Since the pandemic, DiverCity SLP has evolved to include workshops and seminars on a national level. Topics include anti-racist practices, appropriate evaluations and treatment techniques for diverse populations, culturally and linguistically sustaining approaches, and high school career outreach programs.

Just because the profession lacks diversity now doesn’t mean that it has to stay that way! There are tools, resources, and other things you can do within your SLP practice that will improve the inclusivity of your lessons.

Tune in to hear more about dynamic assessments, the importance of understanding your students’ culture, where to find resources that are more representative of all people and cultures, and so much more.

Full show notes available at www.speechtimefun.com/123

Resources Mentioned:

Get the Diversifying The Field Google Drive Resources: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1FhpF-g27XjOvvufPMMUqO1rG9Ic9XZ_H

Follow DiverCity SLP on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divercityslp/

Follow Speech Of Cake, Inc on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speechofcakeinc/

Follow Play on Words Therapy LLC on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playonwordstherapyllc/

Follow Voz Speech Therapy DC on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vozspeechtherapydc/

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