Wondering if you should use books in speech therapy? Read why I tend to leave mine on the bookshelf.
Imagine a day before TpT. Before Pinterest. Before hearing about creative therapy ideas in Facebook Groups. Even when TpT/Pinterest began there wasn’t anything for SLPs (even less for those working with older students!) I might have only graduated with my masters in 2007, but I entered in a time before all of these possibilities. I had to come up with ideas and resources of my own. I spent way too much money on big name brand games and books. I thought I needed them. I had nothing and needed to make planning easier. That was my only solution at the time. Therapy wasn’t fun. It wasn’t effective. But it was all I had!
So now I have a large collection. I have gotten rid of a few over the years (highly recommend those buy, sell, swap Facebook groups if you want to get rid of a few things collecting dust). But why did I stop using them?! I realized quickly that worksheets were not the answer. I need to make my lessons more interactive and hands on. I had to teach things differently than reading comprehension books provided. If my students were able to grasp concepts when just given a worksheet…they didn’t need me! If I am bored..they will be bored too! If it isn’t fun and at the right levels for them (not too easy or too hard) I will get negative behaviors. Fun lessons + interactive + the right levels = students will feel successful, build confidence, and demonstrate positive behaviors. Less behavior management techniques needed!
That was why I started creating resources. When I saw that the change of activities had a change of outcome..I had to share it with the world! I am so grateful I made that decision back in 2012. Yes…my resources are quick prep activities (yes worksheets) but they are still fun and interactive. I incorporate cut and glue activities. I have graphic organizers so they can be successful. I have visual aids so they can be successful. I use stories and pictures that are motivating based on popular interests. I use appropriate reading levels so your students are focused on decoding the whole time and embarrassed to take risks! CLICK HERE to check out all of my no prep resources!
So yes…these books tend to collect dust on my shelf. They are a reminder of what my SLP teaching style is and how it has developed over the years. Don’t get me wrong..I do use worksheets every once in a while. But I rarely use them as a whole lesson or how they were intended. I break things down for my students. I use visual aids. I make it fun using fun gel pens, stampers, and markers.
