A Day (and Craft!) for the Dads!

Hey SLP friends! 👋🏼

One of the (many!) perks of being a speech therapist? We get allll the tea.

Okay, maybe not the juicy celebrity kind... but let’s be real: our adorable speech kiddos have zero filter, and we hear everything from home life details to which parent hides snacks in their sock drawer. 😂 It’s part of the job—and honestly, it’s one of the things that makes it so fun.

But despite the occasional hilarious overshare, one thing is crystal clear: these kids adore their parents. And with Father's Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to channel all that love into something creative, hands-on, and speechy (yep, that’s a word now).

So let’s talk about a fun little activity that’s a win-win for you and your students: the Father’s Day Dot Marker Tie Craft!

>> GRAB THIS FUN FATHER'S DAY CRAFT HERE <<

What Is It?

This is more than just a cute coloring project. It’s a printable tie template that turns into a versatile speech therapy tool with dot markers—and the kids eat it up! Whether you're working on articulation, language, phonology, or fluency, this crafty session staple can flex to meet your needs.

Here’s How It Works:

Each tie is paired with a specific speech sound or left blank for open-ended use. As students produce correct sounds, describe their designs, or take turns in a game—you guessed it—they add a dot to their tie. It’s fun, motivating, and makes practice feel like play.

Target Those Goals Like a Pro:

🎯 Articulation
Each tie is pre-loaded with targets! You'll find ready-to-go ties for:

• S, Z, K, G, F, V

• J, L, R, Vocalic R

• SH, CH, TH

• S Blends, R Blends, L Blends

As students correctly produce their target sound, they add a dot. Simple, effective, and surprisingly satisfying. (Who doesn’t love those dot markers?)

🧠 Language
Use the blank tie to spark conversation:

• “Tell me about your tie colors.”

• “Why did you pick those patterns?”

• “Who will you give it to and why?”

It’s a natural way to get those expressive language goals in without it feeling like work.

💬 Phonology & Fluency
Perfect for repeated productions, pacing practice, or sentence-level work. You can have students say a target word three times before dotting, or work on slow, smooth speech while describing their masterpiece.

The Bonus Perk?

When they’re finished, students leave with a heartfelt keepsake for Dad (or Grandpa, uncle, stepdad—whoever holds that special place in their heart). It’s meaningful, personal, and shows off their hard work in the most adorable way.

You know those activities that just work every time? This is one of them. Minimal prep for you, maximum engagement for them.

So if you’re looking to bring a little extra joy and creativity into your sessions this month, grab those dot markers and get to tie-making! You’ll be hitting your goals and making memories—one colorful dot at a time.

>> DON'T FORGET TO GRAB THE CRAFT HERE <<

Happy speeching!

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