Learn practical strategies to support a child with selective mutism in the classroom in How to help a child with selective mutism communicate at school. Welcome to Let's Talk Speech Therapy — a collection of blog posts, printable materials, and real-world tips for speech-language pathologists, SLP students, and parents. Browse book recommendations for early language development, practical advice on supervising student interns, strategies for teaching personal safety skills like phone numbers, and tips for making the most of ASHA conventions.

Looking for ways to help older students read between the lines? Check out these practical strategies for building inferencing skills in middle schoolers. Strategies for Building Inferencing Skills in Middle School Students Every resource here comes from hands-on experience in school-based therapy, in-home ABA therapy, and clinical supervision. Take a look around — there's something for every SLP.

For speech-language pathologists working in school-based settings, finding materials that are both engaging and functional can be a daily challenge. The best resources are those that target specific communication goals while feeling natural and play-based for the child. Whether you are targeting articulation, language comprehension, or social communication, incorporating hands-on activities and visual supports can make a significant difference. Help your clients build independence with practical, step-by-step visuals. Check out the new set of Printable Sequencing Cards For Daily Living Skills And Routines to support daily routines and life skills. Many SLPs find that rotating materials seasonally or tying them into classroom themes helps maintain student interest. The key is to build a collection of go-to activities that can be adapted across different goal areas and age groups, saving precious planning time while still delivering effective therapy sessions.

Early language development begins long before a child says their first word. Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in building foundational communication skills through everyday interactions. Simple strategies like narrating daily routines, pausing to allow a child to take a turn in a conversation, and responding to babbling with eye contact and verbal reinforcement all encourage language growth. Book reading is one of the most powerful tools for early language exposure, especially when adults use animated voices, point to pictures, and ask open-ended questions. These small, consistent interactions create a rich language environment that supports vocabulary development, joint attention, and the social use of communication.

Supervising a student intern is both a responsibility and an opportunity for professional growth. Effective clinical supervision involves modeling clear therapeutic techniques, providing constructive feedback, and gradually increasing the intern's independence. It is important to establish open communication from the start, setting expectations for session planning, documentation, and professional conduct. Allowing the intern to observe a variety of therapy styles and client populations broadens their clinical perspective. Reflection is a powerful tool — encouraging the intern to self-evaluate their sessions helps them develop critical thinking skills that will serve them throughout their career. A supportive supervisor cultivates confidence and competence in the next generation of SLPs.

Teaching personal safety skills is an important but sometimes overlooked area of speech therapy. For many children with communication delays, learning to recite their full name, parent's phone number, and home address can be a functional and empowering goal. These skills promote independence and provide a foundation for safety in the community. SLPs can incorporate these targets through songs, repetitive practice, and visual cue cards. Role-playing scenarios where a child practices asking for help or identifying a safe adult can also be effective. These goals blend language, memory, and social pragmatics, making them a natural fit for therapy sessions that aim to build real-world competence.

Attending a professional conference like the ASHA convention offers valuable opportunities for learning, networking, and rejuvenation. For many SLPs, the challenge lies in making the most of the experience without becoming overwhelmed by the sheer volume of sessions and exhibitors. Planning ahead by reviewing the schedule and identifying priority sessions can help. It is also helpful to set personal goals, such as connecting with a specific number of colleagues or exploring a particular area of clinical interest. Following up with new contacts after the conference and sharing key takeaways with coworkers back home extends the benefits long after the event ends.

In-home ABA therapy presents a unique setting for speech-language pathologists to collaborate with behavior analysts and families. Working in a client's natural environment allows for authentic assessment of communication skills and immediate application of strategies within daily routines. Collaboration between the SLP and behavior team ensures that speech and language goals are reinforced consistently throughout the day. It is important to align on terminology, data collection methods, and reinforcement strategies to create a cohesive treatment plan. This interdisciplinary approach can lead to meaningful progress, especially for children with autism spectrum disorder who benefit from consistent, across-setting support for their communication development.

Building a strong therapy materials library does not require an unlimited budget. Many effective resources can be created using simple tools like cardstock, laminating film, and dry-erase markers. Printable activities that target multiple goal areas — such as a single game board that can be used for articulation drills, language prompts, or fluency practice — offer excellent value. Organizing materials by theme, sound, or skill area makes retrieval quick and easy during busy therapy days. Digital storage solutions like cloud-based folders also help SLPs keep their materials accessible across different work sites. Thoughtful curation and organization of materials ultimately saves time and reduces stress.

Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest have become valuable tools for speech-language pathologists seeking inspiration and community. Following other SLPs who share therapy ideas, room setups, and data tracking tips can spark creativity and reduce the isolation that sometimes comes with the profession. It is important to approach these platforms with a critical eye, evaluating whether a suggested activity aligns with evidence-based practice and the specific needs of your caseload. Many SLPs find that creating their own content, whether through sharing a successful session idea or reflecting on a clinical challenge, deepens their own learning while contributing to a supportive professional community.