A Word from Speech: Tips for literacy and utterance length

For those of you with Preschool-age children, we wanted to share a few tips to improve literacy as well as increase their utterance length (number of words they use). This allows them to be more expressive and engage in more success conversations with adults.

PEER is a technique that allows the child to become the teller of the story and the adult becomes the listener, the questioner, and audience. Use this strategy when you want your child to tell you a story or a personal experience

Prompts the child to say something

Evaluates the child’s response

Expands the child’s utterance.

Repeat the phrase.

Example of PEER use: 

Adult: What does the pig want with his pancake?  

Child: Wants syrup 

Adult: That’s right, the pig wants syrup.  

Child repeats: The pig wants syrup.

SEER is a strategy that is used to teach new words.

Say the word in context

E Provide a child-friendly explanation of the word using Tier 1 (basic) vocab

E Give an example from your experiences or the child’s experiences.

R Ask the child to repeat the word after you.

Use these techniques to help your child grow their expressive vocabulary and ability to engage in storytelling. Watch your child’s language grow!

YOGA is for KIDS too!

 September is National Yoga Month, therefore here are some key reasons why we say, 'yes' to yoga for the kiddos. 

• Kids get stressed too! 
• Improve overall strength, coordination and balance
• Increase body awareness and breathing patterns
• Increase focus and concentration
• Flexibility
• Can be adapted for the individual child

Ask your therapist if yoga may be appropriate for your child!

For more resources check out the following resources: 

• http://www.pbs.org/parents/food-and-fitness/sport-and-fitness/why-yoga-and-kids-go-together/
• http://www.yogajournal.com/article/family/yoga-kids/

A Word From Speech: Imitation Skills

Many late talking toddlers need to practice imitation skills.  If your toddler is not yet copying words, take a step back and try some Copy Cat games with actions and funny sounds / noises.  Lots of young children love these Simon Says games and it is a great way to help them ‘have a go‘ at copying sounds.

Here's a list of appealing books for 1-3 year old kiddos: 

1.  Baby’s First Sounds -  this is a simple book of different photo images (one picture to a page).  Lots of different sounds can be made throughout the book.  Bell = ling a ling,  Cat = meow,  Drum = bang bang

2. Baby Touch & Feel – Farm Animals – moo, baa, meow

3.  Uh Oh, I’m sorry –  uh oh /oh no

4.  Baby Faces Peek a Boo - Adult says peeka……….. and child lifts the flap and says ‘boo!’

5.  Sleepy Baby -  sssh!  or eyes shut and snoring noises

                         
                               

Why do we love these books!? 

1.  You can repeat the same noise or sound many times through the book

2.  The pictures are simple and lend themselves to a particular sound

3.  Many of the books have flaps or tactile pieces to keep toddlers engaged

Make sure that you use the books as a fun way to make playsounds and focus on these rather than the story.  Praise your toddler for any attempts at making the sound – don’t worry if it is mispronounced!

Information borrowed from :

 http://www.busybugkits.com.au/toddlers/25-books-toddlers-copy-sounds/

You can find 20 more books to add to this list on that website!

Back to School Series: HOMEWORK HAVOC

School is in full swing and so are the other things that come along with school...like homework. Homework serves a great purpose, however it can be difficult to transition back into the routine of work after school. Here are some tips to help soften the reality of homework each night. 

• Allow time after school for a break. After spending 7-8 hours at school your kiddo needs a brain break. This may include a snack, physical activity, or any form of structured free time.
• Provide a structured schedule where homework is completed at the same time each night. Set expectations. Establish a routine!
• If necessary, set a visual timer so they know how long they will be spending on the assignment.
• Look over the content prior to starting to prioritize homework based on level of difficulty. Ask your child where they would like to start.
• Provide a motivator to finish homework. This can vary. No rewards prior to completion.
• Stay calm. If your child becomes emotional during the homework process it is your job to stay calm and work through the situation. Do not threaten your child to get it done.
• Establish a homework area. This should be a low traffic area with minimal distractions.
• Create a homework bin to organize homework and/or projects so it is all in one place.
• Show interest in their work!
• Be realistic.
• Collaborate with the school to ensure that they have provided the best plan for your child to be successful. Adapt the course load to your child’s needs.
• Avoid burnout. Yes, their work needs to get done. But, they are still kids!
• Make a visual calendar where everyone at home can see. This can have all the extracurricular activities as well as test days, events, etc. This will assist everyone on being on the same page. 

Back to School Series: RE-ESTABLISHING ROUTINE

It's here! School is back and everyone is excited, even parents, therapists, and educators! But, the transition back is not always so sweet. So, here are some simple tips to keep your kiddos moving and grooving back into the school routine. 

• Set expectations. Let your kids know what will change now that summer is over and school is back in session. 
• Set a bed time and don't budge! Gradually adjust to the new time 10 minutes at a time. 
• Make a visual schedule chart. Laminate the schedule or make it on a white board or chalk board so that your  kids can check off each task as they are completed. 
• Get things ready for the next day, the night before. This will help decrease the amount of chaos in the morning. 
• Allow your kids to have a say (within reason) as to what is in their lunches and what they wear (if they don't have uniforms). 
• Schedule a homework routine for the same time each night so there are no surprises. 
• Allow your kids to have some free time at night to decompress from the day to prevent burn out early. 
• Practice the new routine a couple times so everyone is on the same page. 
• Cut off tags on the inside of clothing prior to wearing to decrease defensiveness against their clothes. 
• Talk about any changes ahead of time. Surprises are not always a good thing. 
• If your child has difficulty with transitions, contact the school to ask for a private visit to walk through the school and meet the teacher without the crowd. 
• COMMUNICATE! Be sure to start off with good communication between you and the teacher. Inform the teach with both written and verbal information that may be important throughout the transition and school year.  

Next on the 'Back to School Series: Homework Havoc'!

Coming to Fiesta: The Pod

Fiesta Pediatric Therapy is excited to announce that they will be collaborating with Arizona State University Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, Northern Arizona University, and Alberto Frias (creator of the pod) in a research project involving the pod bed and children with Autism. 

What is the pod? 

This pod, similar to the design of  a Skittle or M&M, will provide a multi-sensory environment with a variety of purposes. This pod will provide as a rest area for kids who need a break from their day or therapy session. The pod can change colors, play music, and vibrate to simulate a calming environment. 


Fun fact: This is the same pod that was used in 'Men in Black'!



COMING SOON! Stay posted for m0re information and news regarding the pod bed!