Speech Therapy Ideas for Summer and Extended School Year

“What’s in your box, Mrs. Elizabeth?”

Some wild times and a whole lotta kids! Don’t worry….there aren’t any kids IN the box…but there are a LOT of children here. That means, it must be summer!

Themes for Summer:

If you’re doing therapy out of your car or anywhere in the South in the summer….themes are about staying cool and hydrated (with a little summer fun mixed in).

You can carry over summer themes into your home with your kiddos too!

In June, we are doing:

Unicorns
Camping
Bugs
Beach/Ocean/Mermaids

Organization and Personal Gear

Good golly…as a private practice SLP, summers in the south can be the WORST. Many of the homes and facilities I’ve served didn’t have air conditioning or there were just too many moments in the hot car in between!

Tips to save your sanity (and your health!)

Wear comfortable clothes! This may not be the time for long scrubs or pants. If you’re worried about modesty, you can find knee-length shorts. I’ve had great luck with knee length, sports-style skirts that have bike shorts underneath (check the sporting goods section at stores like Target). I’m telling you, you will be much more comfortable and less drained by the end of the day if you’re dressed appropriately. Wear t-shirts! You can find great shirts from Emily B Speech, The Giggly SLP, Speaking of Samantics, & Speech Coffee Tees just to name a few.2.
Hydrate!!! Get a BIG water bottle and fill it with ice and water. Drink it. In fact, bring two. The metal types stay insulated the best for me. I like this hydroflask from amazon. Plus, you can decorate it with stickers to give you a little joy throughout the day. Who says adults can’t play with stickers!? This sticker came from The Giggly SLP.
Incorporate Water Play. If the home or center you’re working in allows it, why not!? There are so many opportunities for language when playing with water! Just make sure you have a change of clothes in your car (we should probably do this anyway…..”what did I just sit in?” Ew.)

Just add a touch of sun, a little water, and have fun playing!

Grab a Fun Camping Printable Set for Free Before You Get Going this Summer!

Preschool Lesson Plan: Grab an interactive file that has links to favorite songs, read alouds, books ideas, toy & game ideas, freebies, and spring materials for purchase.

Favorite Books for Summer

We love anything with the beach, swimming, camping, and sun!

Favorite Books:

Llama Llama Goes Camping by Anna Dewdney

Pete the Cat Goes Camping by James Dean

Jabari Jumps by Candlewick

There Was an Old Lady (Mermaid, Pirate, Seashell)

Favorite Book Companions:

Old Lady Series: On this Site or On TpT

Little Blue Truck Series: On this Site or On TpT

Articulation Games:

My students have absolutely loved having dot art this month! We have used dot markers, magnetic discs, stickers…and sent home for homework when we ran out of time. The Big Box of Dot Art grew from a reader request. She was looking for every sound in every position for the whole year. It was a bear to put together, but I was happy to do it! This has been a game changer for my students. I’m so glad this reader asked me to make it!

Summer Articulation Game Set: This has been a hit so far over on TpT.