Using AAC During the Holidays
Key Takeaways The holidays bring many chances for children who use AAC to join in and be heard. Introduce holiday vocabulary and practice key phrases ahead of time. Build AAC into gift giving, meals, crafts, greetings and games with family. The holiday season is a time filled with social gatherings, family traditions, and special celebrations, […]
Speech and Language Tips for the Holidays
Key Takeaways The holidays are full of new words, traditions and chances to build language. Label and describe what you are doing, and use visual aids, gestures and holiday books. Balance structure with flexibility by planning breaks and offering choices. Support Communication Skills in a Fun, Festive Environment! The holiday season is a time for […]
AAC Core Vocab Placement for Holiday Mealtimes!
Key Takeaways An AAC core vocab placemat gives children a way to communicate at the table without their device. It can help picky eaters and children with limited speech share wants, needs and food choices. Using AAC at holiday meals supports independence and reduces frustration. With the holidays coming up, we wanted to share this […]
Halloween Speech and Language Tips 🎃
Key Takeaways Halloween offers natural chances to practice AAC and speech skills. Involve your child in choosing a costume and planning the trick-or-treat route with words like “first,” “next” and “last.” Visuals, crafts, books and role-playing help set expectations for Halloween night. Preparing Your Child for Halloween: Enhancing AAC and Speech Skills! Halloween is just […]
Our Favorite Places to Visit to Enhance Speech Skills!
Exploring places in your neighborhood can be a fantastic way to enrich your child’s speech and language skills! We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite places to visit and promote speech through exposure to new and fun environments. Plus, who doesn’t love a fun activity out of the house? Each of these places […]
5 Core Vocabulary-Loaded Books to Enhance Speech and Language
Key Takeaways Core vocabulary is the small set of words we use most often, like “go,” “want,” “help” and “more.” Repetitive, interactive books give many chances to model core words on an AAC device. Each of the 5 recommended books comes with a core vocabulary strategy and example. Bonus: These books pair especially well with […]
From Summer to School: Ensuring an Easy Transition for Kids Going Back to School
By: Stephanie Schwindt, M.S., CCC-SLP Speech-Language Pathologist, GentleCare Therapy As the air becomes crisper and the leaves transform into bright hues of red, yellow, and orange, our community of school-age children prepare for another year of fun, learning, and growth. Whether attending a brick and mortar school, virtual school, or homeschool, each child is […]
Navigating AAC: Where Do We Start?
Communicating and expressing our needs, wants or feelings is a part of our everyday lives. We all communicate through different methods and in our own ways. One way of communicating is through the use of AAC. What is AAC? Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is any form of communication other than vocal speech. It encompasses […]