Speech Socializing and Connecting

Funded Oct 8, 2024

The generous donations to this project have significantly enriched speech therapy sessions for my high school students. Resources like LEGOs, markers, coloring books, a book holder, and a card holder have provided tangible, engaging tools that have transformed our work together. LEGOs, for example, have become a fantastic way to target language skills. Students can build structures and then describe them, explain their design choices, or create stories around their LEGO creations, working on expressive language, narrative skills, and following directions. The coloring books and markers offer a less structured, creative outlet, allowing students to relax and engage in conversation while coloring. The book and card holders have proven invaluable for organizing materials, keeping student workspaces tidy, and promoting independence. These seemingly simple tools have made a world of difference in student engagement and progress.

The initial reaction from my students upon seeing these new materials was pure excitement! Many of them, especially the older students, initially thought they were too "old" for such activities. However, once they started building with LEGOs or coloring, their reservations quickly melted away. One memorable moment involved a student who struggles with social communication. He was initially reluctant to participate in a group LEGO activity. However, as he started building a tower, he began narrating what he was doing and even invited another student to collaborate. It was a breakthrough moment, demonstrating how these resources can lower inhibitions and foster communication. Currently, we are using the card holder to create visual supports for practice, and the book holder to encourage reading aloud, during our weekly book club. The next step for these students is to use these skills to create and deliver presentations to the class, further building confidence and communication competence.”

With gratitude,

Ms. Jeanne