Spring Sensory Play

April 23, 2019 speechonearthLeave a comment

Dear Readers,

Motor planning and execution as well as cognitive-linguistic function can be developed through sensory modalities.

Sensory information is received from the environment through hearing, touch, taste, sight, and smell. The brain can repair itself through learning how to interpret and adapt to sensory information efficiently.

Below are some examples of forms of sensory input I have used within the geriatric setting. Speech-language pathologists should provide a repetitive and structured treatment approach to promote optimal benefit and learned self-regulation.Read More »

Cajun Word Finding Activity

January 7, 2019 speechonearth4 Comments

Dear Readers,

This post is for all of my south Louisiana friends. I created a word finding task for residents in the nursing home who speak Cajun French. This activity tests your knowledge of words related to the Cajun heritage. It’s also fun to play with your parents and grandparents.

I am interested in knowing who can guess them all correctly! My husband got 13… Read More »

Multi-Step Directions Christmas Craft

December 31, 2018March 19, 2019 speechonearthLeave a comment

Dear Readers,

This year my patients made ornaments during the Christmas week. Goals targeted short-term recall (working memory), complex auditory comprehension, and multi-step sequencing.

Patients requested their favorite Christmas carols as we put together this fun craft!Read More »

Therapy Obstacle Course

December 18, 2018February 21, 2019 speechonearthLeave a comment

Dear Readers,

I am so blessed to work for a company that allows me to do therapy my way. I feel as though I am able to provide optimal care for my patients because I am allowed to go outside of the ordinary routine to target functional skills. Here is a fun obstacle course that my patients enjoyed targeting balance, word finding, visuospatial skills, fine-motor, attention, categorization, and oral motor skills. Read More »

Fall Craft: Pine Cone Bird Feeder

September 18, 2018March 19, 2019 speechonearthLeave a comment

Dear Readers,

Last fall, my therapy team and I put together a simple craft for our patients. Most of them enjoy being outdoors and working with their hands, so this activity worked perfectly!

Here is a list of the items needed:Read More »

Speech Therapy Life Skills: Grocery Shopping

ImageAugust 20, 2018August 20, 2018 speechonearth2 Comments

Dear Readers, Mastering practical life skills begins at an early age. I have prepared an example for grocery shopping – appropriate for toddlers to ages 10-12 years. Have your clients sequence events prior to executing the activity. Then, what better way to learn than in a multi-modal simulation? First: Make a shopping list. What are […]

30 Activities to Engage Your Loved One with Dementia

ImageAugust 8, 2018February 27, 2019 speechonearthLeave a comment

Dear Readers, I have received many questions lately regarding stimulating and engaging loved ones who have dementia. Here are few activities I have tried that have worked very well. Keep in mind every person with dementia is unique and some may respond better to certain tasks/activities while others may not. If you have any questions, […]

Decades of Trivia

July 10, 2018February 15, 2019 speechonearthLeave a comment

Dear Readers,

Here is a fun Friday afternoon mini-session for you.

Can you/your patients recall trivia from the 1920s through the 1970s?

Agendas for Accountability and Expectations

June 6, 2018July 10, 2018 speechonearthLeave a comment

Dear Readers,

If you are anything like me, creating an agenda prior to therapy sessions is necessary. Of course this does not imply the session is going to adhere to anything you have planned. But, it is nice to have a guide that is individualized for your client (especially if your caseload is growing quickly). It can be difficult to keep track of each client’s goals and deficits you are targeting.
Easy Agenda

Better Hearing & Speech Month 2018

May 17, 2018July 10, 2018 speechonearthLeave a comment

Dear Readers,

In honor of BHSM, I have partnered with Darling Darby’s to bring you this sweet tank just in time for the summer!

This would make a great gift for the SLP in your life or for speech students.

And it’s only $20 plus shipping*!!

Speech Cardio