Speech and Language Kids Podcast

Special Announcement!

Special Announcement!In this special announcement episode, Carrie shares some exciting news about the future of Speech and Language Kids and what’s coming next for you, our wonderful community of SLPs, educators, and parents. Big things are on the horizon, and this short episode is your sneak peek into a major transition designed to support you even better. Listen to the Podcast Here You can listen to the full podcast episode below: We’re Hitting PauseCarrie explains why she’s pausing her work with Speech and Language Kids for now and what that means for you. Spoiler alert: it’s not goodbye—it’s a new beginning! > “This is not the end—it’s a refocusing of energy to better support our field in the long run.” The Evolution of SLKLearn how Speech and Language Kids started, where it’s been, and why this transition is happening now. Carrie shares a heartfelt behind-the-scenes look at her journey and the reasons for this shift. What’s Coming Next Find out what Carrie will be focusing on in the coming months and how you can stay connected. You’ll also learn about how her new direction will still support you and your work with children in powerful ways. Join the Email List to stay updated on future projects: https://www.speechandlanguagekids.com/ Resources Mentioned Email List Sign-Up: https://www.speechandlanguagekids.com/ Access the Free Therapy Materials Library: https://www.speechandlanguagekids.com/90-free-speech-language-activities-and-resources/ Final Thoughts Thank you for being part of this community! Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or SLP, Carrie is so grateful for your continued support and looks forward to sharing her next chapter with you soon. Be sure to join the email list so you don’t miss out on what’s next. The post Special Announcement! appeared first on Speech And Language Kids.

Announcing: Summer Camps and Teams Program

Announcing: Summer Camps and Teams ProgramWe’ve got exciting news! In this episode, we’re diving into our 2025 Summer Camps—designed especially for speech-language pathologists and the children they serve. Whether you’re looking for ready-made activities for your caseload or want to help your own child grow their communication skills in a fun, structured setting, we’ve got something for you. Read on to learn all about what’s coming this summer, how to get involved, and how these camps can make your therapy or home time easier and more effective. Listen to the Podcast Here You can listen to the full podcast episode below: What’s New This Year?Get the scoop on our two brand-new summer programs launching in 2025: Camp SLP: A virtual summer camp curriculum you can use with your therapy caseload (or even your own child). It’s themed, organized, and ready to go—so you can spend less time planning and more time having fun with your clients. Camp Communication: A virtual camp designed for families of young children with speech and language delays. Activities are parent-led and walk you through daily lessons and play-based tasks that support early communication skills. Who These Camps are For Not sure if these camps are right for you? We explain: How SLPs can use Camp SLP with in-person or teletherapy clients. Why Camp Communication is perfect for parents of toddlers and preschoolers working on language at home. How both camps support busy professionals and families with limited time. What You Get in Each Camp We break down what’s included in both camps, like: Weekly themes with age-appropriate activities Printable and digital materials Video lessons for parents or therapists Simple, structured guidance to keep things low-stress and high-impact How to Sign UpReady to join the fun? We walk you through the registration process and share important dates so you don’t miss out. Get more info and sign up here: https://www.speechandlanguagekids.com/summer-camps – for new members Click here to sign up if you are an existing member Bonus Tips for Summer SuccessWe also chat about how to make the most of summer therapy, including: Keeping kids engaged with themed activities Supporting carryover at home Using summer break as a time for growth—not regression Have questions or want to learn more? Head to https://www.speechandlanguagekids.com/ and send us a message—we’d love to hear from you! The post Announcing: Summer Camps and Teams Program appeared first on Speech And Language Kids.

How to Do Speech Therapy at Home

How to Do Speech Therapy at HomeDo you want to help your child improve their communication skills at home but aren’t sure where to start? Whether you’re on a waiting list for services or just want to boost your child’s progress between sessions, this episode is for you. Carrie Clark, SLP and founder of Speech and Language Kids, breaks down exactly how to do speech therapy at home without feeling overwhelmed. She walks you through how to figure out what to work on, how to break it down into bite-sized steps, and how to sneak practice into your daily routine (even with a busy schedule). This episode was recorded live inside the SLK Hub, and you’ll hear about how the tools and resources inside the Hub can make this whole process even easier. Listen to the Podcast Here You can listen to the full podcast episode below: Step One: Figure Out What to Work OnIf you’re not sure where to begin, Carrie shares a simple framework to help you narrow down your child’s communication challenges. She explains the six main areas of communication: Speech Sounds Language Social Communication Fluency Voice/Resonance Functional Communication Not sure which one fits? Grab the free screening checklist included in the free Hub membership to help you pinpoint where your child needs support: hub.speechandlanguagekids.com Pick One Skill to Focus On Once you’ve identified the general area, it’s time to zoom in on a single skill. Carrie explains how to pick a specific, meaningful skill that will have a big impact—like answering “where” questions or producing the R sound. You’ll hear why it’s important to: Choose just one skill to avoid overwhelm Start with the easiest version of the skill Work your way up gradually How to Teach a New Skill (Without Overwhelm) Carrie explains how to make practice feel easy and doable: Find the version of the skill your child can do Practice that first Then baby step your way up from there She also explains how to apply this to both speech and language goals, using real-life examples like: Teaching “where” questions starting with “Where’s your nose?” Teaching R by starting with just the “er” sound Inside the full SLK Hub membership, therapy plans are laid out step-by-step for each skill, but Carrie shows how to do this process on your own, too. 5 Minutes a Day is EnoughYou don’t need hours of therapy time. Carrie recommends: Doing just 5 minutes of focused practice per day Setting a timer to keep it short and motivating Reinforcing the skill in little moments throughout your day (like in the car or during play) And yes, it’s okay if it doesn’t go perfectly! Carrie reminds us that working with your own child is way harder than working with anyone else’s. Do what you can, when you can—and take breaks when needed. Virtual Summer Camps for Parents (Starting June 2, 2025)Want more structure, support, and fun this summer? Join us for the Virtual Summer Camp for Parents inside the SLK Hub! Here’s what you’ll get: A 6-week plan to help your child boost language skills at home Two lessons a week from our Core Language Program (included in your ticket) Activities for kids entering Kindergarten through 6th grade Guidance, accountability, and a fun camp theme to keep things moving Whether your child needs to catch up or get a head start on next year, this is your chance to make summer count! Stay tuned—registration opens soon at: www.speechandlanguagekids.com Resources Mentioned Free Hub Membership + Screening Checklist Full Therapy Plans inside the SLK Hub Virtual Summer Camp Info (coming soon) Got questions or want support on what to work on at home? Join us in the Hub and post in the discussion board—we’re here to help! The post Announcing: Summer Camps and Teams Program appeared first on Speech And Language Kids.

Teaching Children to Follow Directions

Teaching Children to Follow DirectionsDoes your child (or student) struggle to follow directions? You’re not alone! In this episode of the Speech and Language Kids Podcast, Carrie Clark, SLP and founder of SpeechAndLanguageKids.com, walks you through how to teach children to follow directions—step-by-step. Whether you’re working with toddlers just starting to understand basic commands or older kids struggling with multi-step instructions, this episode has got you covered. You’ll learn practical strategies for teaching one-step, two-step, and even complex multi-step directions, plus how to support kids using play, visuals, repetition, and more. We’ll also dig into why following directions is hard for many children (even those without speech or language delays!) and what you can do to help them succeed. Listen to the Podcast Here You can listen to the full podcast episode below: Why Following Directions is Hard for KidsFollowing directions requires listening, understanding, memory, attention, and execution—sometimes all at once! Carrie explains why even neurotypical kids can struggle and how communication delays, ADHD, or autism can make this even more challenging. Beginner Level: Teaching One-Step Directions Start here with your toddlers and early learners! Carrie explains how to teach: Routine directions (like “put your shoes on”) Novel directions (like “touch your nose”) How to use play-based therapy, visual cues, gestures, and prompt fading Why giving clear, concrete instructions is critical (no more “take a seat”—say “sit down”!) Moving to Two-Step Directions and Spatial Concepts Once kids are getting the hang of simple directions, it’s time to build up! Learn how to teach: Two-step routine and novel directions Directions using spatial concepts like “on,” “under,” “next to,” and “in” How to embed these skills into daily routines or classroom settings Intermediate Level: Multi-Step and Temporal DirectionsNow we’re stepping it up with: 3- and 4-step directions Temporal concepts like “before” and “after” Tips for older preschoolers and elementary-aged kids who need extra support due to memory, attention, or processing challenges Advanced Level: Real-Life, Real-World DirectionsThis is where the rubber meets the road. Carrie covers how to help students follow complex directions in: Academic settings (like classroom tasks or worksheets) Daily life (like routines at home) Noisy, distracting environments Resources and Tools Mentioned Therapy Pathways and Therapy Plans – Step-by-step guidance on teaching following directions at all levels. Available in the Speech and Language Kids Hub Session Builder Tools (AI-Powered Prompts) – Generate custom one-step, two-step, or three-step directions on any topic. Discussion Boards in the Hub – Ask questions, share challenges, and get feedback from the SLP community. Available on all membership levels. Search the Hub for “Following Directions” to find therapy kits, materials, and more. Want to Join the Next Live Podcast?This episode was recorded live inside the Speech and Language Kids Hub. Join us in the Hub to attend future live episodes and ask your questions in real-time! Learn more and join by clicking here. The post Teaching Children to Follow Directions appeared first on Speech And Language Kids.

Building Therapy Plans for Children with AAC

Building Therapy Plans for Children with AACDo you work with children who use communication devices or systems to express themselves? Whether it’s a high-tech talker, sign language, or picture boards, AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) comes in many forms—and it’s essential that we know how to support kids in using it effectively. In this episode, Carrie shares how to build therapy plans for children who use AAC, including practical strategies and step-by-step guidance based on the AAC Pathway inside the Speech and Language Kids Hub. You’ll also hear answers to live listener questions about AAC devices in the classroom, choosing apps, and working with parents and teachers to support communication across environments. Listen to the Podcast Here You can listen to the full podcast episode below: What is AAC and Who Uses It?Carrie starts by explaining what AAC is and the many ways children may use it to communicate, from low-tech tools like picture boards and gestures to high-tech devices with eye gaze or text-to-speech features. She also dispels the myth that AAC prevents speech development—spoiler alert: research says otherwise! Helpful resource: What is AAC? The Two Golden Rules of AAC Therapy Before jumping into therapy planning, Carrie shares the two biggest takeaways for anyone supporting a child who uses AAC: Focus on communication, not technology. Model, model, model! She explains why goals should center on meaningful interaction (not just button-pushing) and how modeling AAC use builds confidence and understanding. Beginner Level: Getting Started with AAC At this stage, the focus is on helping the child communicate basic wants and needs using core vocabulary. You’ll hear: Why “go,” “more,” “stop,” and “all done” are more useful than “cracker” or “train” Tips for modeling AAC use throughout the day Strategies to help the whole team (SLPs, parents, teachers) stay on the same page Inside the Hub: Visual aids with core word boards and low-tech AAC tools Intermediate Level: Expanding AAC UseOnce kids can express some wants and needs, it’s time to expand! Carrie discusses: Moving beyond requesting to include labeling, describing, commenting, and more How to support grammar and sentence growth through AAC Examples of social and functional communication goals Advanced Level: Full Participation Through AACAt the advanced level, AAC becomes a tool for full participation in classroom and social life. Learn how to support: Retelling past events and participating in conversations Self-advocacy and problem-solving with AAC Using AAC across different settings and environments Supporting Gestalt Language Processors (GLPs)Carrie briefly touches on how some AAC users may learn in chunks rather than word-by-word. She shares how you can support GLPs by incorporating full phrases and familiar scripts into AAC devices. Live Q&A HighlightsListeners asked some fantastic questions, including: What to do when a child uses one AAC button repeatedly (hint: treat it like verbal babbling!) Choosing a speech-generating app or device (Carrie recommends Grid by Smartbox and TouchChat) Home strategies for encouraging AAC use with toddlers and teens When AAC is (and isn’t) appropriate for speech-delayed children Resources Mentioned The Hub Mobile App AAC Pathway inside the Hub Free Text-to-Speech Tool by Google SLK Screening & Progress Monitoring Checklists – Inside the SLK Framework (for non-AAC speech/language concerns) Looking for low-tech AAC boards, full lesson plans, or more support? Join us inside the Speech and Language Kids Hub where you’ll find everything from downloadable materials to expert-led courses. The post Building Therapy Plans for Children with AAC appeared first on Speech And Language Kids.