 May is Better Hearing & Speech Month and a great time to highlight some of the lesser known skills and areas of development addressed by Speech Language Pathologists.
Many people have the perception that speech therapy is a therapist and student sitting at a table as the therapist shows her student pictures and demonstrates proper production of the "r" sound. Some people are surprised to hear that we work on much more than a child's mispronunciations. Did you know that Speech Language Pathologists (SLP's) are educated and trained to evaluate, diagnose, and treat challenges in the following areas?
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 What better way to kick off the much-delayed start to the Spring season and get out to enjoy some sunshine than by resolving to "trade screen time for green time!" I came across this new favorite phrase the other day and I love its call to action!
During my summers off from college, I worked at a summer camp as the "Nature Activities Specialist." I can honestly say that the highlight of my days spent there was "creek stomping" through the water with my eager troops, their eyes filled with wonder and curiosity as we discovered all the unique treasures offered by the environment. From the sounds of the bugs and the birds, the frogs and the ducks, to the feel of the mud squishing under our feet and the water splashing up on our legs, it was the perfect blend of sensory integration and experiential learning! While "creek stomping" may be a bit ambitious for some folks, there are lots of ways to easily trade your child's screen time for green time:
All of these activities are designed to promote your child's vocabulary and knowledge of concepts, such as description, positions, and categories. The best part, though, is that the activities help you to engage with your child while moving, learning, and having fun! So "spring" into action and start trading that screen time for green time!  I would describe myself as a casual sports fan . . . far from obsessed and frankly, not all that knowledgeable, but someone who enjoys watching my favorite teams and cheering them on. Who doesn't love the thrill of victory, especially when it is won against all the odds?
With our daughter home from college this week for Spring Break, we had the pleasure of cheering on the Syracuse men's basketball team with her as March Madness began and the Syracuse Orange unexpectedly marched their way toward the Sweet 16 in the annual NCAA basketball tournament. I love a good Cinderella story and the Orange provided one as the last team selected to even play in the tournament. Yet, they successfully overcame the odds against them to beat teams favored to win, and they proved their naysayers wrong. They proved that they belong. I think it's natural to want to cheer on the underdog, even if it isn't your team. As I thought about the victory today for Syracuse, I thought about the kids that I cheer on everyday, the underdogs who may be fighting to overcome incredible odds against them. But just like the basketball players in the NCAA tournament, they too prove that you can never count anyone out, that they belong, and that victory is sweet. I love having the honor of "coaching" them and sharing in each step they take toward victory. Never underestimate the underdogs, they are our heroes! |
AuthorMy name is Katherine Hindman. I have been a speech therapist for over 20 years and truly love what I do! Archives
November 2022
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