In today’s technologically saturated society, it’s easy to assume that we are confronted with a newly emerging crisis in which technology creates a barrier between us and the great outdoors. Why would we need to go on a hike, camp out under the stars, or visit a national park when we can google a picture of it? It may come as a surprise, but our lack of connection with the outdoors is not new. More than a hundred years ago, long before the invention of the internet, Wi-Fi, ta

Every year, I find myself doing something exciting, something that resonates deep within me and captivates my thoughts and energy. This year was no different. This was the year that I dove farther into the media world, blending my interests in media processing research and educational media (especially as it impacts those with communication impairments). This was the year that I earned a Master's Degree in Media and Communication. This was the year that I published my first j

As a speech-language pathologist, content selection is a key element in clinical practice. Content is selected for a variety of reasons, such as student interest; specific speech and language models contained within it; and opportunities for communicative involvement. Whether it's a traditional activity or a digital one, such factors are always considerations. When selecting digital content, it's important to consider (1) how specific content helps address an individual's nee

Pumpkins, squash, & gourds provide endless autumn fun! Autumn is by far my favorite time of year! Unfortunately, we don't see too much in the way of fall colors and weather here in Texas. A few years ago, inspiration struck during a trip to the grocery store. The result was one of the best and easiest preschool language activities to date. It was low-key, but the kids loved having the opportunity to explore and touch all the different pumpkins, gourds, squashes, and veggies.

A few years ago during a speech therapy session, a group of preschoolers and I were reading a book about a bear. Despite a persnickety bee, the bear enjoyed some honey from a nearby bee hive. One of preschoolers commented that she had never seen a bee hive before and wanted to know what went on inside of it. So, what did we do? We took a virtual field trip. We found an online documentary about the inner workings of bee hives, turned off the volume, and talked about what we we

In today's world it's easy to find yourself between a tablet and a hard place. As SLPs, educators, and parents, we want kids to use screens in educational and beneficial ways. However, digital media isn't always associated with quality, communicative interactions and educational experiences. It's easy to feel that the struggle between people and media regularly ends with technology declaring a victory, imprisoning everyone involved. What about wordless media? Why not? Wordle

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, SLP, or student, summer's a time for fun, relaxation, vacationing, and much more! In that spirit, without even intending to, I took a small summer sabbatical from blogging…but I’m back with a head full of ideas to share! First this happened…I graduated with a second Master’s degree, this one in Mass Communication. It was never my intention to return to graduate school or dive into anything outside of the field of Speech-language Pathology. Bu

In a world where handheld devices and touchscreens seem ever present, don't be fooled, sensory books are alive and well. Our sense of touch is a powerful tool we use to interpret and learn about the world around us, particularly for young children. While the allure of electronic toys and digital devices is sometimes hard to push aside, you might be surprised that sensory-based books and activities also command the attention (and tiny hands) of active young preschoolers. Senso

As a speech-language pathologist, I'm always looking for ways to make meaningful connections between what we are doing in the speech therapy environment and a student's classroom and home environments. Why? Because the ultimate goal isn't for the student to improve his communication skills with me in the speech therapy room - it's becoming an effective and efficient communicator within his daily environment. That includes his general education classroom, at home with his fami

A giant, blue bear lurks outside of the Colorado Convention Center. He peers into the three-story windows eyeing visitors as they scurry about. The multi-dimensional bear is a piece of public of art titled, “I See What You Mean” by Lawrence Argent. The artist describes his creation here, explaining that the convention center represents a place to “exchange ideas and transfer information.” As a Denver resident he often relates to the bear. “I’m always interested in what might

Kids love to talk – about everything when given the chance. The things they see, the experiences they participate in, the moments that that excite them, and the creations that they proudly created, to name a few. Media content and digital experiences are no exception. Here’s the thing. Nobody likes to talk over someone else. Long ago, that voice used to be the character on TV or in a movie and dominated a room. Now, that voice is within arm’s reach via a handheld device, an e

Who doesn't love Show and Tell? Growing up, Show and Tell was the day that you never missed at school. Excitement brewed over the unlimited possibilities. Kids whispered days in advanced as they narrowed their selections. "K" at the beginning of words includes couch, cookie, crayon, card, comb, kazoo, cup, cone, can, compass, coin, carrot, corn, kaleidoscope, cauliflower, cake, and cup cake Working with preschoolers, I was always trying to find new ways to increase parent par