How I Make Themed Therapy EASY as an SLP!
Hey SLPs!
Have you ever considered used themed therapy in your sessions? 👀
I am a huge fan because the benefits are plentiful!
To name a few...
⭐️ It helps students make deeper connections to the material presented
⭐️ It can be fun and engaging!
⭐️ It allows for a variety of activities and books that assist with appealing to all types of learners.
⭐️ It increases a child's worldview by exposing them to topics that they may not have personal experience with due to their geographic location (I mean, I live in Louisiana but I still love a good snow/winter theme!)
BUT…
Can it feel super daunting and like a TON of prep work to work a theme into your sessions when you already have a planner full of to-dos?
DEFINITELY!
So here's how I would do it! Let take a look using the theme of 'Fall'!
First, choose a theme that will work for MONTHS, not just one week to cut down on your prep work and allow for you to really deep dive into a theme that's relevant to the time of year. I chose Fall because this will work for us in September thru November!
Next, grab some books from your local library, personal bookshelf, or YouTube them so that you can provide some background information and introduce the theme!
Here are some of my Fall favorites 📚
- The Leaf Thief by by Alice Flemming
- Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White
- The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry
- We're Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger
Once you have your books, find a themed resource for language, articulation, and phonological process goals to keep your theme going! Using pictures and games that tie into the same items students see in the books and activities will help expand on the knowledge you've introduced!
I love my Fall Fluency Activities Print and Digital for this because it touches on everything I have goals for from language to speech and a little of everything in between!
Add in a hands-on activity for some fun! Here's some low-prep, low-cost ideas:
- Use the Digital Drill Cards to go on a Fall Scavenger Hunt. Practice your words when you find one of the targets!
- Use orange dot markers while practicing speech targets to dot a paper plate and make a pumpkin! Once the pumpkin is filled in, use markers or crayons to draw a face and add a stem and leaves
- Have a fall themed food tasting-bring in different types of apples, pies, Halloween candy, or pumpkin treats and compare/contrast, describe, and engage in fun conversations about these treats!
I hope these ideas help give you some ideas that will make themed therapy planning for the weeks ahead easy, engaging, and FUN!
Happy speeching!
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