How to Have a Holiday Speech "Party" (without an actual party!)

Hey speech friend! 👋🏼

Are you feeling a bit stressed about “that” week before winter break? ❄️

 

You know, the one where all the kids are begging for a “Speech Party” but you also don’t want to be caught by an administrator with a room full of sugared-up kids watching a movie or running wild during “therapy” time?

 

Here are a few fun ideas that will help both you and your students enjoy a fun “party” while not letting your time turn into utter chaos.

 

Whip out some Play-Doh, cookie cutters, and various decoration assortments (think bead, pipe cleaners, glitter) to decorate holiday themed items such as Christmas trees, ornaments, or snowmen. Let each child present what they made to the group or to you! Pair it with a holiday book or turn on some holiday music to set the theme!

 

Older kids can handle more complex tasks while making their own yummy treats. A few favorites that can be made with a microwave or minimal appliances are: Rice Krispie Treats, ice-cream, and chocolate bark. Find the recipes online or on the back of the box for most of these and commandeer the Teacher's Lounge microwave/fridge. One member of my team is making air fryer cookies and decorating them (how fun)! Include the kids in reading the recipe, going through the steps, and discussing how the recipe turns out as we eat it!

 

There are TONS of fun resources online for fun screen time that align with goals. I love Vooks, EdPuzzle, and YouTube shorts like Simon’s Cat for videos that elicit a great discussion. Kids love these videos and they don’t even realize you’re addressing comprehension and understanding when you get to talk about them!

 

I hope these ideas ease the burden of the next few weeks before we get into the holidays!