We have a lot. We sometimes can be considered hoarders. We can use what we have to make FUNctional speech activities.
As SLPs, we never know what kind of caseload we are going to have each year. It is always changing. Some may love this fact, others may get overwhelmed by it. Either way…we got to embrace it! But that doesn't mean we need to stress. So many common items you already have in your therapy rooms can be easily used to have fun and functional speech therapy (and to even work on a variety of goals).
What are the 5 benefits of using what you have?
- Cheap! You have it already!
- Quick to prep. You already have it!
- Great for mixed groups. You can use these items for variety of goals.
- Hands on therapy. We all know our students benefit from this.
- It is fun! Your students will love it!
What are my favorite use what you have items?
Tissue boxes! Tissue boxes are a great way of using those empty boxes during cold season. We all know you go through so many of them. You can use them for sorting, guessing games, and more! Click HERE to read about fun ways I use them.
File folders! You have them. We often keep student files in them. We have extras. They are great for sorting, file folder games, and even barrier games. Click HERE to read more about how I use file folders for quick barrier games.
Paper clips! You have so many of them you don't really need all! You can make links as students practice their articulation words. You can get colored ones and have colors represent different prefixes or conjunctions. Click HERE to read my entire blog post on using paper clips in speech.
Hole punchers! Did you ever think to use them?! We have them in our desks to help prep our activities. You can always use them as the activity itself! Students will love being able to use your office supplies! If it is motivating, why not right?! Click HERE to read more about it!
Those were just some of the many items you have in your therapy rooms that you can use. There are more. I have even blogged about them too. I will continue to blog about them. I love it. My students love it. It doesn't take much time to prep. I don't always have tons of time to prep. That is reality. I hope you can use these ideas when you are in a pinch with time or creativity!
