SLP Coffee Talk

Latest Episodes:

SLP's Role With Selective Mutism Apr 14, 2025

Show notes

Got a student who clams up the second they walk into school—but you know they’ve got a ton to say? This episode of SLP Coffee Talk is your go-to guide for helping students with selective mutism find their voice (and maybe even belt out some Taylor Swift at lunch 🎤)

We’re hanging out with Emily Laracy, M.A., M.S., CCC-SLP, school-based SLP, SM expert, board member of the Selective Mutism Association, and total rockstar when it comes to helping our quietest kids shine. She’s sharing her tried-and-true strategies for getting students talking—from baby steps like yes/no responses to full-on classroom convos.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

What is SM?
Differentiating SM from other disorders
The role of the SLP in working with SM
Tips for Assessment
Tips for Treatment

Here’s what we learned:

How to gradually build comfort using forced choice and closed-ended questions
Why shaping behavior in small steps leads to big gains in communication
Techniques to fade in peers and adults for broader communication
How “survey walks” around the school create real-world practice
Classroom strategies to reduce pressure and encourage participation
The importance of teacher collaboration and consistent expectations

Learn more about Emily Laracy:

Book: Treating Selective Mutism
Email: edoll0205@gmail.com

Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:

📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/

🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup

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

Content vs. Skills in Speech Therapy: Striking the Perfect Balance for Secondary Students Apr 07, 2025

Show notes

Listen as Hallie talks about striking a balance between content and skills in speech therapy.

This week on SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie is tackling the age-old debate—should we focus on teaching classroom content or the underlying skills our students need? Hallie dives into the sweet spot of blending content learning with skill building, ensuring your students not only grasp their classroom material but also develop the skills to tackle new challenges. With strategies and relatable examples, you’ll leave equipped to create engaging sessions that resonate with your students. Tune in and discover how to empower your students for long-term success!

Bullet Points to Discuss:

The dilemma of balancing content teaching and skill building.
Importance of teaching both content and underlying skills.
Common pitfalls to avoid, such as becoming a glorified tutor.
Strategies for integrating real-world relevance into therapy sessions.
The four ingredients for a successful speech session: understanding, creativity, adaptability, and compassion.
Practical therapy ideas that blend content with skill development.

Here’s what we learned:

Focus on both content and skills to empower students.
Avoid teaching every vocabulary word; instead, teach strategies for comprehension.
Make therapy relevant to students' real-world experiences to boost engagement.
Use creative and adaptive strategies to connect therapy to classroom content.

Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:

📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/

🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup

Harnessing YouTube for Social Language Success: Strategies, Clips, and Questions for Your Therapy Toolbox Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

Hallie discusses strategies for utilizing YouTube for social language skills.

Are you tired of students shrugging and asking, "Why am I here?" Let’s change that! In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, we dive into the magic of YouTube and how it can transform social skills therapy. From Big Bang Theory clips to Pixar shorts, discover how to make sessions more engaging, relatable, and effective—without spending hours planning. Get ready for a curated list of must-watch videos, practical tips, and a joke to keep things light. ☕📺

Bullet Points to Discuss:

-Why YouTube Works for Speech Therapy

-Best Video Types

-Screening & Organizing Tips

-Examples & Goals

-Using EdPuzzle & SafeShare

-Discussion Prompts

-Connecting to Student Interests

Here’s what we learned:

Why YouTube is a goldmine for speech therapy
Best types of videos to use: TV shows, movies, Pixar shorts, viral clips
Tips for screening and organizing content efficiently
Specific video examples with therapy goals (e.g., Big Bang Theory, Inside Out, Zootopia)
Strategies for leveraging tools like EdPuzzle and SafeShare
Sample discussion prompts to maximize learning
How to connect YouTube videos to student interests

Resources mentioned:

The Big Bang Theory 02x22 The Classified Materials Turbulence Intro

Leslie Has The Flu | Parks and Recreation
Pixar Short Films #7 For the Birds 2000

PARTLY CLOUDY

The Present by Jacob Frey
The Science of Empathy by Abigail Marsh

How Miscommunication Happens (and How to Avoid It)

Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:

📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/

🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup

Diagnosing Failed Speech Sessions Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

So, your session was a flop. That's ok. Hallie discusses how to diagnose a failed speech session and next steps.

This week on SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie is diving into a crucial topic—why some speech sessions just don’t click and what you can do about it! If you’ve ever planned what seemed like the perfect activity, only to have your students disengaged, frustrated, or just not making progress, this episode is for you. Hallie breaks down the key reasons why lessons might fall flat and gives you strategies to turn things around. From setting the right goals to making learning fun and relevant, you’ll walk away with practical tips to transform your sessions and build student motivation. Tune in and get ready to diagnose and fix those tricky speech sessions!

Bullet Points to Discuss:

Common struggles in speech sessions
The importance of activity difficulty
Making lessons relevant to student interests and goals
Building rapport and student engagement
Teaching explicitly vs. just practicing
Breaking down annual goals into manageable steps
The role of confidence and fun in successful sessions

Here’s what we learned:

Lessons should be at the right difficulty level for student success.
Students need to understand why they are in speech therapy.
Connecting lessons to student interests increases motivation.
Teaching explicitly is more effective than just repetitive practice.
Breaking down goals into smaller steps prevents frustration.
Your enthusiasm sets the tone for student engagement.
A strong rapport builds trust and encourages effort.

Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:

📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/

🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup

From ‘Speech’ to ‘Safe Zone’: Building Confidence, Comfort, and Growth in Therapy Sessions Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

Hallie talks about how to create a "safe zone" in speech therapy. Create a safe zone not just in your space, but by building confidence through comfort and growth.

This week on SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie is tackling how to make your speech therapy space a safe and inviting environment where students feel comfortable, supported, and ready to participate. If you've ever had students walk into your room with crossed arms, eye rolls, or just plain resistance, this episode is for you. Hallie shares simple yet powerful strategies to rebrand speech therapy, build trust, and create a space that fosters engagement and progress. From renaming your speech room to incorporating flexible seating and growth mindset activities, you'll get practical tips to transform your sessions. Tune in and get ready to turn your therapy space into a confidence-boosting and safe zone!

Bullet Points to Discuss:

The importance of a welcoming therapy space
Rebranding speech therapy for older students
Using decor to set the right atmosphere
Trauma-informed considerations in therapy spaces
Building trust through check-ins
Establishing predictable routines
Celebrating small wins to boost motivation
Connecting therapy to students’ real-world interests
Implementing a comfort contract

Here’s what we learned:

Renaming the speech room can make it feel more relevant and engaging.
Thoughtful decor choices create a space that feels age-appropriate and inviting.
Trauma-informed strategies can help students feel safer in therapy.
Quick check-ins help build trust and support students' emotional needs.
Predictable routines provide consistency and a sense of security.
Celebrating small wins boosts student confidence and motivation.
Connecting therapy to real-world interests like pop culture and relevant activities increases engagement.
A comfort contract fosters a safe and respectful therapy environment.
Involving students in decisions increases buy-in and participation.

Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:

📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/

🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup

Using Standardized Tests as a Starting Point for Functional and Impactful SLP Goals Mar 10, 2025

Show notes

Hallie discusses using standardized tests as a starting point to create functional and impactful speech and language goals for your students.
Grab your coffee and settle in, SLPs! In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, we’re diving into why standardized tests are just the starting point—not the whole solution—for crafting meaningful, functional, and academically relevant goals for your older speech students. We’ll talk about avoiding common pitfalls, incorporating informal assessments, and getting real-world insights from teachers. By the end, you’ll have practical strategies to take your evaluations to the next level and set your students up for success. Let’s make this school year the one where you leave work on time and feel confident in every session!
Bullet Points to Discuss:

Common mistakes SLPs make with standardized test results
Balancing standardized tests with informal measures
Collaborating with teachers to target impactful goals
Making goals measurable, specific, and functional
Standardized tests: One piece of the evaluation puzzle

Here’s what we learned:

Common mistakes SLPs make when using standardized test results
Practical tips for balancing standardized testing with informal measures
How to collaborate with teachers to prioritize the most impactful intervention goals.
Making goals measurable, specific, and functional is key to student success.
Why standardized tests are just one piece of the evaluation puzzle.

Standardized tests are just one piece of the puzzle!
Get a clearer picture of your students' needs with powerful tools designed for SLPs:

✅ Baseline Tool – Establish a strong starting point: speechtimefun.com/baseline

✅ Critical Thinking Probes – Dig deeper into student skills: speechtimefun.com/criticalthinkingprobes

Both are available inside SLP Elevate, giving you the insights you need beyond the subtests to make a real impact. 💡✨

Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:

📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/

🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup

Keeping Students Engaged Via Teletherapy Mar 03, 2025

Show notes

Hallie chats with Tara Rhoehl about teletherapy and keeping students engaged.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Tara Rhoehl, an SLP and telepractice expert with over 14 years of experience working with international clients. Tara shares her journey from practicing teletherapy long before it became mainstream, specializing in executive functioning and social cognition. She dives into creative ways to keep students engaged online, from virtual game tables to mentoring programs, and offers practical tips for making teletherapy effective and stress-free. Whether you're new to telepractice or looking to level up your sessions, this episode is packed with insights, tech tips, and plenty of fun!

Bullet Points to Discuss:

Tara’s Journey into Telepractice
Evolution of Teletherapy Technology
Creative Online Strategies for Engagement
Executive Functioning in Therapy
Overcoming Telepractice Challenges
Future Trends in Teletherapy

Here’s what we learned:

Telepractice is adaptable—many in-person strategies work online.
Student interests boost engagement and rapport.
Tech advancements make teletherapy easier, but flexibility is key.
Simple tools like games and incentives increase motivation.
Executive functioning skills are essential for success.
The future of teletherapy includes AI and virtual presence.

Learn more about Tara Roehl:

Website: https://www.speechykeenslp.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speechykeenslp/

X: https://x.com/SpeechyKeenSLP

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-roehl-71ba2541/

Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:

📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/

🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup

Note-Taking Interventions That Exist For Adolescents Feb 24, 2025

Show notes

Hallie chats with Amy Peterson about note-taking interventions with older students.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Dr. Amy Peterson, an SLP, researcher, and advocate for adolescent language intervention. With a master's degree from the University of Wyoming and a doctorate from Utah State University, Amy has extensive experience working in schools and now leads the ALIAS Lab at the University of Wyoming, focusing on adolescent language, interventions, and implementation science. She shares insights on Sketch and Speak—a powerful note-taking and oral practice strategy designed to help older students grasp and retain information. From tackling expository language challenges to supporting SLPs in implementing evidence-based interventions, this conversation is filled with practical strategies and research-backed insights to boost your confidence when working with older students.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

The Challenge of Note-Taking
Sketch and Speak Strategy
Implementation in Therapy & Classrooms
The Power of Group Learning
Current Research & Future Directions

Here’s what we learned:

Many older students lack explicit instruction in note-taking, making comprehension difficult.
Sketch and Speak helps students retain and express information through visual and oral strategies.
Removing the pressure of writing improves engagement and reduces frustration.
Group learning environments can enhance language skills through peer modeling.
Research on adolescent language intervention is evolving, with a growing need for more SLP-focused resources.

Learn more about Amy Peterson:

Website: https://www.uwyo.edu/comdis/faculty-staff/peterson.html

Email: apeterso@uwyo.edu

Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:

📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/

🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup

Teaching Chunking for Note-Taking Feb 17, 2025

Show notes

Hallie discusses how to teach chunking for note-taking.

This week on SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie dives into a game-changing strategy for improving note-taking and comprehension—chunking! If your students struggle to retain information, feel overwhelmed by long passages, or have trouble organizing their thoughts, this episode is for you. Hallie breaks down the science behind chunking, explains why it works, and shares simple, practical ways to teach it in speech therapy. From modeling and guided practice to real-life success stories, you’ll walk away with easy-to-implement strategies that will help your students boost their confidence and carry over skills across all subjects. Tune in for tips that make note-taking easier and learning more effective!

Bullet Points to Discuss:

Why Students Struggle with Retention and Organization
How Chunking Reduces Cognitive Overload
Strategies for Modeling and Teaching Chunking
Integration of chunking into note-taking
Lifelong Benefits of Chunking

Here’s what we learned:

Chunking makes learning easier and less overwhelming.
Modeling helps students break information into manageable parts.
Chunking boosts comprehension, recall, and focus.
Simple tools like graphic organizers make it easy to apply.
Regular practice leads to greater student independence.
Note-taking skills support organization and problem-solving beyond school.

Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:

📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/

🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup

Literacy and Neurodivergent Children Feb 10, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Kim Jenkins, a pediatric speech-language pathologist and the owner of Empowering Speech Services. Kim specializes in supporting Autistic and neurodivergent children through neurodiversity-affirming practices, helping them develop meaningful communication skills. With a passion for literacy, grammar, and vocabulary, she shares her approach to building strengths-based learning experiences that empower children to thrive.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

* How to help neurodivergent children acquire literacy skills

* The importance of sensory regulation: It is the foundation for learning

* Using a strengths-based approach to teach reading, writing, and comprehension.

* Practical tips that have been effective for neurodivergent learners

Here’s what we learned:

Sensory regulation as a foundational learning tool, not just a reward.
Strength-based learning: focusing on what students can do rather than deficits.
Prioritize rapport and regulation over rigid instruction.
Flexibility in data collection methods for schools and private settings.
Time management, mental health, and self-care are essential for longevity in the field.
Practical advice on balancing data collection, student engagement, and therapy effectiveness.

Learn more about Kim Jenkins:

www.empoweringspeechservices.com

https://www.instagram.com/empoweringspeechservices/

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/empowering-speech-services

https://empoweringspeechservices.myflodesk.com/webinar

https://empoweringspeechservices.myflodesk.com/parentsguidetoecholalia

Freebie Links

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sneezy-the-Snowman-Book-Companion-Speech-Therapy-Printable-Elementary-12680443

Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:

📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/

🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup